Modality: Attitude and Assumption

Reference

Common mistakes

1. That will to be the postman. → That'll be the postman.
   will + infinitive, no to
2. It's odd that she should says that. → It's odd that she should say that.
   should + base form
3. You might told me! → You might have told me!
   reproach → might have + PP
4. How you dare! → How dare you!
   fixed word order

Modality: Attitude and Assumption — Exercises

Choose the best form

Circle the correct answer.

1. The phone's ringing. — That _____ be my mum; she always calls at six. (will / shall / may to)
2. He _____ keep interrupting — it drives me mad. (will / shall / should)
3. Of course she blamed the referee — she _____ say that. (would / should / might)
4. It's strange that he _____ want to leave so soon. (should / would to / must)
5. You _____ have warned me the road was closed! (might / must / would)
6. _____ you speak to me like that! (How dare / How you dare / How dared)
7. You _____ bring anything — we have plenty. (needn't / mustn't / daren't)
8. _____ , the money was never found. (according to reports) (Allegedly / Admittedly / Arguably)

Complete the sentence

Write the missing word or words.

1. There's someone at the door. — That   be the pizza. (assumption)
2. I find it surprising that you   think so. (putative)
3. You   have said something before we left! (reproach)
4. I   tell her the truth — she'd be furious. (not dare)
5.   , he forgot the meeting — he isn't answering. (I suppose)
6. Well, she   say that — she always defends him. (typical)

Modality: Attitude and Assumption — Answer Key

Choose the best form

1. will — Assumption → will.
2. will — Annoying habit → (stressed) will.
3. would — Typical, irritating → would.
4. should — Putative should.
5. might — Reproach → might have.
6. How dare — Fixed: How dare you…
7. needn't — No necessity → needn't.
8. Allegedly — Reported, not proven → Allegedly.

Complete the sentence

1. 'll
2. should
3. might
4. daren't
5. Presumably
6. would