modal verbs of deduction present and past exercises pdf

It seems that the fossils can't be from any known human species. The research teams analysing fossils found in China and Taiwan could be looking at something very important. While you listen, think about this question: Are the fossils from humans? And Fiona is talking about some ancient fossils that were found in China and Taiwan. We'll give you lots of examples…Īnd we’ll check what you've learned in our quiz.īut first, we're listening to Fiona, who is a science reporter. And modal verbs can express how sure or unsure we are about our guesses. When we don't know something for sure, we often make guesses. Now modal verbs are used in a lot of different ways but in this programme we’re looking at the modal verbs we use when we're talking about things we think are possible or true – both in the present and in the past. In today's programme we're having a look at modal verbs. For example, 'You could try calling him to see if he's available.Hello and welcome to 6 Minute Grammar with me Finn.Īnd me Catherine. In some cases, they may be used to express a suggestion or a recommendation. Note that these modal verbs can have other uses too.

It can't have been the fish that made him sick.He can't have heard the phone otherwise he'd have answered it.

We use CAN'T (CANNOT) when we have strong evidence and we are certain that something is NOT true. She may not have finished work yet.Īnd we use COULD when we're a bit less certain. Where are my keys? You might have left them in the shop.That may be the phone call I'm expecting.She might be interested in this job offer. Note that the possibility can also be negative - might not, may not. We use MIGHT/MAY when we have some evidence and we think something is possible but we’re not certain. You must be tired after such a long drive.We use MUST when we have strong evidence and we are certain that something is true. The basic structure for deduction about the past is: subject The basic structure for deduction about the present is: subject It can't be going to snow (because it never snows in Thailand).It might/may/could be going to rain (because there is a large grey cloud in the sky).He must be a policeman (because he's wearing a police uniform).Modal verbs of deduction express certainty like this: modal verb of deduction The usual modal verbs that express deduction are:ĭeduction has degrees of certainty, say from 99% to 30%. To make a deduction, we need facts and evidence (the uniform, the cloud). If we see a large grey cloud in the sky, a possible guess is that it is going to rain-maybe. If we see a man in police uniform, a reasonable deduction is that he is a policeman. Deduction (noun): guess reaching a conclusion by reasoning and logic, based on evidence

Modal verbs of deduction present and past exercises pdf