Modal verbs
Leo isn't answering his phone. He ______ be asleep. (possibility)
might / may / could
She has a talent ______ telling stories
for
I (have read / have been reading) this book for two hours, and I'm on page 20
have been reading
Use MUST: “Mike probably got lost.” → “He ______ lost.”
must have got/gotten lost.
The ground is wet and everyone has an umbrella. It ______ have rained
must
He is capable ______ solving the problem.
of
She (has visited / has been visiting) Rome three times
has visited
Use FIND: “I can easily make friends when I travel.” → “I ______ make friends when I travel.
find it easy to
Mia was with us all evening. She ______ have taken the missing bag
can't
We arrived ______ the hotel late at night
at
They ______ (wait) for the bus since 8:00, and they're still here
have been waiting
Use WHAT: “I don't think Mike is capable of competing.” → “I don't think Mike has ______ to compete."
what it takes
Rewrite: “Perhaps they missed the last train.” Use a past modal
They might/could/may have missed the last train
I'm interested ______ learning about ancient civilizations
in
Explain the difference: “I've written three emails” vs “I've been writing emails.”
First emphasizes the completed result/number; second emphasizes the activity/process, possibly ongoing, without focusing on the number completed.
Use NOT: “We visited Maranello and we also went to Monza.” → “We visited ______ Monza
not only... but also
The hotel-room door is forced open and belongings are missing. Make a strong deduction with MUST HAVE
Someone must have broken into the room because the door was forced ope
Complete all three: They came back ______ work; I'm afraid ______ flying; It depends ______ the weather.
from, of, on
Correct and explain: “I have been knowing her for five years.”
I have known her for five years. “Know” is a stative verb and is not normally used in the progressive.
Use SHOULD: “It's a shame I didn't go to Europe with the guys.” → “I ______ to Europe with the guys.
should have gone