Modal Verbs of Certainty and Possibility
IELTS with Mujahid · Beginner practice
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What are modal verbs of certainty? They show how sure you are about something. Use must when you are almost sure it is true, may / might / could when it is possible, and can’t when you are almost sure it is not true. After a modal verb, always use the base verb (no to, no -ing).
❌ He must to be at home.✅ He must be at home.
✅ Very sure (almost 100%)
🤔 Possible (about 50%)
👍 Probably (about 70–80%)
⏪ Talking about the past
🎓 Useful in IELTS
💡 IELTS tip: Modals like may, might and could make your opinions in Writing Task 2 sound careful and academic. In Reading, may or might means the writer is not fully sure, so be careful with a “Yes” answer. Remember: for “not true”, use can’t, not mustn’t (mustn’t means “not allowed”).
Ready? Tap a tab above and start with 1. Match.
Activity 1: Match the Meaning
Read each sentence. Choose how sure the speaker is.
Activity 2: Gap Fill
Choose the best modal verb to complete each sentence.
Activity 3: Odd One Out
Two modals show the same level of certainty. One is different. Tap the different one.
Activity 4: Fix the Mistake
Each pair has one correct sentence and one with a mistake. Tap the correct sentence.
Activity 5: Type It
Type the missing modal verb. The first letter is given as a clue. Press Check or Enter.
Activity 6: How Sure Are You?
Read the situation. Choose the sentence that shows the right level of certainty.