Modals: Continuous, Passive and Probability

Reference

Common mistakes

1. She must have slept — she didn't hear the phone. → She must have been sleeping — she didn't hear the phone.
   in progress → have been + -ing
2. It should have done yesterday. → It should have been done yesterday.
   passive → have been + PP
3. I would like to have came. → I would have liked to come.
   would have liked to + base
4. It may good rain. → It may well rain.
   may well = probably

Modals: Continuous, Passive and Probability — Exercises

Choose the correct form

Circle the correct answer.

1. His eyes were red. He _____ crying. (must have been / must be / must have)
2. The window _____ by the wind — nobody was here. (must have been broken / must have broken / must be breaking)
3. I _____ to go to the concert, but it sold out. (would have liked / would like / had liked)
4. You _____ be here at eight — it's ten! (were supposed to / are bound to / may well)
5. It's cloudy. It _____ rain this afternoon. (may well / may good / can well)
6. You _____ have read the whole book in one hour! (can't possibly / mustn't possibly / shouldn't possibly)
7. The repairs _____ finished by now, but they aren't. (should have been / must have / should be)
8. She _____ have been listening — she answered every question. (must / can't / needn't)

Complete with a modal form

Use the words in brackets.

1. He didn't hear the doorbell. He   music. (must / listen to)
2. The report   yesterday. (should / send, passive)
3. I   to meet her, but she had already left. (would / like)
4. The tickets   already. (might / sell, passive)
5. Don't worry — he's   to call you back. (certain)
6. The journey could   take three hours with this traffic.

Modals: Continuous, Passive and Probability — Answer Key

Choose the correct form

1. must have been — Past, in progress → must have been crying.
2. must have been broken — Passive past deduction → must have been broken.
3. would have liked — Unfulfilled wish → would have liked.
4. were supposed to — An expectation not met → were supposed to.
5. may well — Likely → may well.
6. can't possibly — Impossible → can't possibly.
7. should have been — Expected but not done, passive → should have been.
8. must — Logical: she answered → must have been listening.

Complete with a modal form

1. must have been listening to
2. should have been sent
3. would have liked
4. might have been sold
5. sure
6. easily