Educco IDESCAT Intermediate 3

24th May | L24 Online work

can’t | might | must | could

Add one of the above modal verbs to each gap, and explain why:

1. I’m not sure what his name is, but I know it __________ be John because that’s my name and I would remember if someone had the same name as me.
   
2. I’m not sure what his name is, but I think it __________ begin with an A, because I saw his initials written on his notebook, and the first letter was an A.
3. I’m not sure what his name is, because I didn’t hear it clearly when we were introduced. It __________ be James.
4. I’m not sure what his name is, but I recognise his face from somewhere. I __________ remember in a moment.

Course contents

Answers

1. I’m not sure what his name is, but I know it can’t be John because that’s my name and I would remember if someone had the same name as me.
   
2. I’m not sure what his name is, but I think it must begin with an A, because I saw his initials written on his notebook, and the first letter was an A.
   
3. I’m not sure what his name is, because I didn’t hear it clearly when we were introduced. It might/could be James. (The trick answer here is that in THIS context could and might are the same)
   
4. I’m not sure what his name is, but I recognise his face from somewhere. I might remember in a moment. (Here we cannot use could because might refers to the near future. Could is only used for present possibility.)