Practice Exercises
1. Deduction:
Complete the sentences using ‘must, can’t, or might.’
◦ The lights are off, so they ___ be at home.
◦ He’s wearing a suit. He ___ have an important meeting today.
◦ She left the house early; she ___ be at the office already.
2. Speculation:
Choose the correct modal to complete the sentences.
◦ It ___ rain later, so take an umbrella.
◦ They ___ have missed the train; they’re not here yet.
◦ She ___ not know about the meeting, so we should remind her.
3. Advice:
Rewrite the sentences using ‘should, ought to, or had better.’
◦ It’s getting late. You ___ go home now.
◦ You ___ apologize for what you said.
◦ You ___ finish the report by tomorrow, or the boss will be upset.
Exercise Answers
1. Deduction:
◦ The lights are off, so they can’t be at home.
◦ He’s wearing a suit. He must have an important meeting today.
◦ She left the house early; she might be at the office already.
2. Speculation:
◦ It might rain later, so take an umbrella.
◦ They could have missed the train; they’re not here yet.
◦ She may not know about the meeting, so we should remind her.
3. Advice:
◦ It’s getting late. You should go home now.
◦ You ought to apologize for what you said.
◦ You had better finish the report by tomorrow, or the boss will be upset.