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C1 Grammar Modals for Deduction and Certainty

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Grammar c1 - Modals for Deduction and Certainty

In English, modal verbs such as must, could, might, and can't are often used to express deduction (making an assumption based on available evidence) and certainty (expressing how sure we are about something). They help us to hypothesize about what could have happened in the past or what is likely to happen in the future.

Examples:

Must: We use must to express strong certainty or deduction about the present or past. It implies that we are almost sure about something.

Example: "She must be at work now. I saw her leave this morning."

Example (past deduction): "They must have forgotten about the meeting."

Could have: We use could have to express a possibility in the past. It suggests that something was possible but didn't happen.

Example: "She could have called, but she didn't."

Might not have: We use might not have to express a possibility that something did not happen, indicating uncertainty.

Example: "He might not have understood the instructions, that's why he was confused."

1. Sarah is wearing a coat. She left the house early this morning.
2. The kids finished their homework yet; they’re still in the living room.
3. He been at the party yesterday because he was out of town.
4. She known the answer. She’s very knowledgeable.
5. They studied harder for the exam. It was an easy test.
6. I left my phone in the car, I don’t see it anywhere here.
7. The man who was sitting here been a famous actor. He looked very familiar.
8. She gone to the meeting; it was optional.
9. It been easy for her to finish the project on time since she had all the resources.
10. They missed the flight; the airport was packed.
11. I forgotten to bring the tickets; I was rushing this morning.
12. They known that the event was canceled because they didn’t show up.
13. She left her umbrella at the bus stop. It was raining heavily.
14. The teacher been very upset when she heard the news.
15.  I’m sure he taken the wrong turn; he usually follows the directions precisely.
16. The keys been on the table, but now they’re gone.
17. She completed the report by now; she’s been working on it all day.
18. He left his bag at home, but I’m not sure.
19. She made a mistake, but I don't think she did.
20. The children been playing outside because the yard is empty now.

 

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