Modal verbs for speculation: must, could, might/may, can’t (Wider World 3, unit 6)

1 Choose the correct options to complete the sentences.

Tom’s walked a really long way today. He ___ be tired.

Take an umbrella with you because it ___ rain later. 

Ben always gets 100% in his Maths tests. He ___ be clever. 

The phone’s ringing. It ___ be Mum, because she never rings when she’s at work.

I’m not sure what’s in this cake. It ___ be coconut.

There’s someone at the door. It ___ be Alan. I’m expecting him to arrive now.

I’m going to buy this book. I think it ___ help with my school project. 

Jack said he’s at home tonight. That ___ / be true. I’ve just seen him in town!

Tom’s planning to buy a skateboard, a phone and a laptop. He ___ have a lot of money. 

2 Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first.

I’m sure Dad’s tired. He’s been at work all day. =

Dad ___ be tired. He’s been at work all day.

I’m not sure but it looks like snow falling outside. =

It _________________ be snow falling outside. 

Karl isn’t asleep – he’s singing upstairs in his room. =

Karl _________________ be asleep. He’s singing upstairs in his room!

I don’t know who’s in this photo – maybe Ted’s family? =

It _________________ be Ted’s family in the photo. 

This looks like my book, but it hasn’t got my name in it. =

This _________________ be my book as it hasn’t got my name in it. 

I’m sure my bag’s on the table. I left it there! =

My bag _________________ be on the table – I left it there! 

Who’s the person with Billy? Perhaps it’s his sister. =

The person with Billy _________________ be his sister.

I’m sure this is where Dan lives – 20 Main Street. =

This _________________ be where Dan lives – 20 Main Street.