This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Verbs
>
Auxiliary Verbs
>
Modal Verbs
>
Modals Of Present And Past Probability – Quiz 1
Modals Of Present And Past Probability Quiz 1 (18 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates students' understanding of modals used to express certainty and probability in both present and past contexts. It covers conditional possibilities, past probabilities, and the use of modal verbs for expressing doubt and disbelief in current situations.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Ahmed ..... from Oman. I saw his passport earlier. (the only logical conclusion)
A) Can't be.
B) Could be.
C) Must be.
D) Might be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Ahmed ..... from Oman" implies that Ahmed is definitively from Oman, based on the context of having seen his passport earlier. This certainty aligns with the use of "Must be," indicating a high degree of probability without any doubt.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can't be - Incorrect as it suggests impossibility, which contradicts the given information.
Option B:
Could be - Incorrect as it implies uncertainty or possibility rather than certainty.
Option C:
Must be - Correct as it indicates a high degree of certainty based on evidence (seeing his passport).
Option D:
Might be - Incorrect as it suggests only a possibility, not the certainty implied by the context.
2.
I ..... my passport on the way home from work. It was in my pocket when I left work, and then it wasn't there when I got home. (the only logical conclusion)
A) Must have lost.
B) Can't be.
C) Might have lost.
D) Could be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "must" in this context indicates a high degree of certainty that the event (losing the passport) occurred. Given the only logical conclusion is that the passport was lost, and there are no other plausible explanations provided, "must have lost" is the most appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a high degree of certainty based on the context.
Option B:
Incorrect. Implies impossibility which contradicts the given scenario.
Option C:
Incorrect. Suggests possibility, not certainty as implied by the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. Indicates a mere possibility, not the high degree of certainty suggested.
3.
Jan's new company ..... her to Dubai next week. They do a lot of international business, and she thinks a large meeting is happening in the next ten days. (guessing)
A) Might send.
B) Must have sent.
C) Might have sent.
D) Must sent.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Jan's new company might send her to Dubai next week" uses the modal verb "might," which indicates a possibility or uncertainty about future events. This aligns with the context provided, where Jan speculates that she may be sent to Dubai due to an upcoming large meeting.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "might" for present probability.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must have sent" implies a past certainty, which doesn't fit the context of future speculation.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Might have sent" suggests a past possibility, not a future one.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Must sent" implies a certain action in the present or past, which is not appropriate for expressing uncertainty about the future.
4.
Alana ..... tickets to Ecuador last week. She asked me about ticket prices. (guessing)
A) May have bought.
B) Couldn't have bought.
C) Must be.
D) Could be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "may" is used to express possibility in the past, indicating that something could have happened but we are not certain. In this context, "Alana may have bought tickets to Ecuador last week" suggests a possibility without certainty, which aligns with the given scenario where Alana asked about ticket prices.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses past modality ("may have") for uncertainty in the past.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Couldn't have" implies certainty that she did not buy them, which is not indicated by the scenario.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Must be" indicates certainty, which does not match the uncertain nature of the situation.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Could be" suggests a present possibility rather than past uncertainty.
5.
Luis ..... in South Korea for a while. He speaks fluent Korean, and I saw a Korean company on his CV. (the only logical conclusion)
A) May have lived.
B) Must live.
C) Might live.
D) Must have lived.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "must" in the past tense ("must have lived") indicates a strong certainty about an action that occurred in the past. Given that Luis speaks fluent Korean and has a Korean company listed on his CV, it strongly suggests he lived in South Korea at some point.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
May have lived - This implies uncertainty and is not as strong as the given context.
Option B:
Must live - This refers to a present state, which does not fit the past context provided in the sentence.
Option C:
Might live - This also suggests uncertainty and is less definitive than the correct answer.
Option D:
Must have lived - This correctly conveys the certainty about a past action based on the given information.
6.
My new smartphone ..... from Tahiti. There isn't a big smartphone industry there. (impossible)
A) Could be.
B) Can't be.
C) May have.
D) Must be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "can't" is used to express impossibility, which fits the context of the sentence where it states that there isn't a big smartphone industry in Tahiti. Therefore, the new smartphone could not have come from Tahiti given this information.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Could be - Incorrect as it suggests possibility when the statement indicates impossibility.
Option B:
Can't be - Correct as it accurately reflects the meaning of "can't" in expressing impossibility.
Option C:
May have - Incorrect as it implies a possibility that is not supported by the context.
Option D:
Must be - Incorrect as it suggests necessity, which does not align with the statement's meaning of impossibility.
7.
These fruits and vegetables ..... (be) grown locally-I bought them at the farm shop. (present-logical conclusion)
A) Must be.
B) Must have been.
C) May.
D) Could.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "These fruits and vegetables must be grown locally-I bought them at the farm shop." indicates a present logical conclusion based on direct observation (bought from a farm shop). The modal verb "must" is used to express certainty about something that is currently true or necessary. It aligns with the context of the statement, which asserts a fact.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates necessity and certainty in the present situation.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must have been" implies past certainty, not current reality.
Option C:
Incorrect. "May" suggests possibility rather than certainty.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Could" also suggests possibility and is not as strong as a statement of necessity.
8.
We haven't heard from him for 10 years-He .....
A) Must have died.
B) Might be died.
C) Must be died.
D) Might have died.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We haven't heard from him for 10 years" suggests a past event with uncertainty, indicating that the person might have experienced something in the past but we are not certain about it. The modal verb "might have died" (Option D) is appropriate because it conveys a possibility without certainty.
- Option A: "Must have died" implies certainty which is too strong given the lack of information.
- Option B: "Might be died" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the correct meaning.
- Option C: "Must be died" also implies certainty, which is inappropriate here.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Implies certainty about a past event without evidence.
Option B:
Incorrect. Grammatically incorrect and does not convey the correct meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. Implies certainty, which is inappropriate given the lack of information.
Option D:
Correct. Conveys a possibility without certainty, fitting the context of the sentence.
9.
He ..... a new car. He doesn't have any money.
A) Must buy.
B) Might buy.
C) Can't have bought.
D) Might not have bought.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He can't have bought a new car. He doesn't have any money." uses the modal verb "can't" to express strong doubt about a past action based on current knowledge (lack of money). This indicates that given his financial situation, it is highly unlikely he could have purchased the car.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must buy - Incorrect. There's no certainty or obligation mentioned.
Option B:
Might buy - Incorrect. The statement expresses doubt rather than possibility.
Option C:
Can't have bought - Correct. This accurately reflects the strong doubt about a past action based on current knowledge (lack of money).
Option D:
Might not have bought - Incorrect. While possible, it doesn't convey as strong a sense of doubt as "can't have bought."
10.
Go check in the kitchen for your keys-They ..... there.
A) Might be.
B) Might've been.
C) Might not be.
D) Might not have been.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Go check in the kitchen for your keys-They ..... there." is about expressing a possibility that the keys might be located in the kitchen. The modal verb "might" is used to indicate a low probability or uncertainty, which fits well with this context.
Option A: "Might be" correctly uses the present tense form of "might," indicating a current or ongoing possibility.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the present tense "might be" to express a current or ongoing possibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Might've been" is in the past tense, which does not fit the context of a current action (checking for keys).
Option C:
Incorrect. "Might not be" negates the possibility and does not match the positive statement needed.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Might not have been" is in the past tense, which again does not fit the context of a current action (checking for keys).
11.
This ..... John's house. This house has a red door and it's number 24, just like he said.
A) Must've been.
B) Can't be.
C) Can't have been.
D) Must be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "This must be John's house" indicates a high degree of certainty based on the given information (the red door and number 24). The modal verb "must" is used to express strong probability or certainty about something that is currently happening.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must've been - Incorrect. This implies a past event, not the current situation described.
Option B:
Can't be - Incorrect. This negates the possibility, which contradicts the certainty expressed in the sentence.
Option C:
Can't have been - Incorrect. This also refers to a past event and is not suitable for expressing current certainty.
Option D:
Must be - Correct. This accurately conveys the high degree of certainty about the current situation as described in the sentence.
12.
He ..... to the city center. He did say he wanted to go shopping.
A) Could've gone.
B) Must go.
C) Can't go.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He could've gone to the city center. He did say he wanted to go shopping." uses the modal verb "could have" (often contracted as "could've") to express a past possibility or ability that was not necessarily realized. This fits well with the context where the person had the opportunity but may or may not have actually gone.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses modal verb "could've" for past probability.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must go" implies a necessity that did not exist in the past context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Can't go" negates possibility, which is contrary to the sentence meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
13.
You've already eaten enough for three people! You ..... hungry!
A) Can't have still been.
B) Might still be.
C) Might not still have been.
D) Can't still be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "You've already eaten enough for three people! You ... hungry!" implies a strong certainty that the person is not still feeling hungry, given they have just consumed a large amount of food. The modal verb "can't" expresses this strong negation and probability.
-
Option A:
"Can't have still been" suggests an action in the past, which doesn't fit the context.
-
Option B:
"Might still be" indicates a possibility, but it contradicts the certainty of having eaten enough food.
-
Option C:
"Might not still have been" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the necessary certainty.
-
Option D:
"Can't still be" correctly expresses that given they've just eaten a large amount, it's highly unlikely or impossible for them to still feel hungry.
Thus, Option D is correct as it aligns with the strong negation implied by the context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; past tense doesn't fit.
Option B:
Incorrect; possibility contradicts certainty of having eaten enough food.
Option C:
Incorrect; grammatically wrong and doesn't convey necessary certainty.
Option D:
Correct; expresses strong negation fitting the context.
14.
I ..... the exam-I'm feeling incredibly nervous.
A) Might not pass.
B) Must've passed.
C) Can't pass.
D) May have passed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "might" in the sentence indicates a possibility, not certainty. The speaker is expressing nervousness about the exam outcome, which aligns with using "might not pass," suggesting uncertainty and a low probability of passing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Might not pass" conveys a sense of doubt or uncertainty.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must've passed" implies certainty, which contradicts the nervousness expressed by the speaker.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Can't pass" is too strong and certain; it doesn't match the nervous tone of the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. "May have passed" suggests a possibility that has already occurred, which isn't aligned with current feelings of nervousness about an upcoming exam.
15.
What!? The exam only started 20 mins ago-He ..... !
A) Must've finished.
B) Must finish.
C) Can't have finished.
D) Can't finish.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "What!? The exam only started 20 mins ago-He ..... !" implies that the speaker is surprised by someone finishing the exam so quickly, given it just began. Therefore, using "Can't have finished" (Option C) correctly conveys a past probability of an action not having occurred despite its seeming improbability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "Must've finished" suggests certainty about the completion, which contradicts the speaker's surprise.
Option B:
Incorrect as "Must finish" implies a future necessity or obligation, not a past probability.
Option C:
Correct as it expresses doubt about an action having occurred in the past given the circumstances.
Option D:
Incorrect as "Can't finish" suggests impossibility rather than improbability.
16.
The food is really good at that restaurant. They ..... a great chef.
A) Must have had.
B) Can't have had.
C) Might not have.
D) Must have.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They must have had a great chef" indicates certainty about the past event based on current evidence (the good food). This aligns with the use of "must have" to express strong probability in the past, suggesting that the presence of excellent cuisine strongly implies the existence of an outstanding chef.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must have had - Correct. Indicates certainty based on current evidence.
Option B:
Can't have had - Incorrect. Implies impossibility, which is not supported by the context of good food.
Option C:
Might not have - Incorrect. Suggests doubt or uncertainty, which contradicts the certainty implied by the good food.
Option D:
Must have - Incorrect. This option is redundant and does not fit grammatically in this context; "must have had" is the correct form.
17.
That woman ..... a doctor! She's too young!
A) Can't be.
B) Can't have been.
C) Must be.
D) Mustn't have been.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "That woman can't be a doctor! She's too young!" uses the modal verb "can't" to express strong doubt about the woman being a doctor, given her age. This aligns with the use of "can't" in present probability to indicate impossibility or strong disbelief.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Can't be" expresses strong disbelief that the woman is a doctor due to her young age.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Can't have been" would imply doubt about something in the past, not the present situation described here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Must be" expresses certainty, which contradicts the statement's expression of disbelief.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Mustn't have been" implies a rule or prohibition against something that happened in the past, not the current situation described here.
18.
She isn't answering the phone. She ..... out.
A) May have been.
B) Must've been.
C) Can't be.
D) Might be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She isn't answering the phone. She might be out." uses the modal verb "might" to express a possibility in the present, indicating that it is not certain but plausible that she is out. This aligns with the context of the situation where her absence from answering the phone could suggest she may be elsewhere.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"May have been" suggests a past possibility, which does not fit the present tense context of the sentence.
Option B:
"Must've been" implies certainty about her being out, which contradicts the use of "might," indicating uncertainty.
Option C:
"Can't be" expresses impossibility, which is not supported by the context where she might just be out but could also have other reasons for not answering.
Option D:
"Might be" correctly conveys a present possibility without asserting certainty or past events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are modals of present and past probability?
Modals of present and past probability include verbs like 'might', 'could', 'would', 'should', which express uncertainty or possibility in both present and past contexts. These help convey a degree of likelihood or speculation about events that may or may not have occurred.
How do modals of present probability differ from those of past probability?
Modals of present probability, such as 'might' and 'could', are used to express possibilities in the current or future time. In contrast, modals like 'would' and 'should' are often used for past situations where we speculate about what might have happened.
Can you give an example of using a modal to express past probability?
Certainly. The sentence 'She would have gone to the party if she hadn't been sick' uses 'would have gone' to indicate that going to the party was a possibility in the past, but it didn't happen because of her illness.
Why are modals important for understanding probability in English?
Modals are crucial as they allow speakers and writers to express degrees of certainty or uncertainty about events. They help convey the level of confidence one has in a statement, making communication more nuanced and precise.
How do modals of present probability differ from those used for expressing obligation?
While some modals like 'should' can be used to express both possibility and obligation, their primary function in the context of obligation is to indicate what someone feels they ought to do. For example, 'You should study harder' suggests a recommendation or duty rather than just a possibility.