Modals of speculation

must, could, might, may, can and can’t

Speculating!
1 Choose one of the words from the box below to fill each gap below. could might may can must can’t

1. 1  You’ve been playing tennis in this hot sun for almost four hours. You _______ be thirsty!
   
2. 2  Does anyone know where Sophie works? I’m not sure, I think it _______ be West London.
   
3. 3  It _______ get quite noisy in this classroom when everyone arrives in the mornings.
   
4. 4  Surely she _______ know about the secret holiday we’ve planned. We’ve told nobody!
   
5. 5  I feel very tired. I think I _______ be getting a cold.
   
6. 6  Do you think you _______ go to the summer camp if you save up
   enough money?
   

2 Things that go bump in the night!
Read each sentence below and then expand it to explain what you think the noise is using must, could, might, may, can and can’t.

1. 1  There’s a loud bang on a window downstairs, and it’s very windy outside.
   
2. 
   2  There’s a crashing noise in the kitchen.
   
3. 
   3  In the hall, there’s a loud thud.
   
4. 
   4  A snoring noise is coming from the bedroom.
   
5. 
   5  There’s a scream from a TV programme.
   
6. 
   6  There’s a creaking noise outside in the garden.