Expressing Certainty with Modals
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Objective
I can use modal auxiliaries to express degrees of certainty.
Part 1 of 4
Warm-up video
Oxford English Now · 6:38
We don't generate video — this one is by Oxford English Now on YouTube. The practice questions and exit ticket below were drafted by AI for this objective, and every question is editable in the teacher guide.
Part 2 of 4
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
Modal verbs of certainty, such as must, can't, and couldn't, are used when you are nearly sure of something being either true or not true.
- 2
When you're sure something is NOT true in the present, use can't or couldn't, but not 'mustn't,' which expresses prohibition.
- 3
To talk about the past, use must + have + the past participle when you're sure that something is true.
Part 3 of 4
Practice
9 questions
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of modal verbs?
Complete the sentence with the correct modal of certainty: 'The lights are off; they _________ be home.'
Part 4 of 4
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Complete the sentence using a modal auxiliary to express certainty: 'The lights are off and no one is answering the door. They ______ out.'”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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