• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Advanced Epistemic vs. Deontic Modals Exercise

March 17, 2026 C1pdf

Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.

Progress 0 of 12 answered
1Given the security footage, the intruder ............... entered through the side door, not the front.
Wrong!
The evidence supports a strong past deduction, so "must have" is correct.
2If you want access to the archive, you ............... sign the confidentiality agreement first, no exceptions.
Wrong!
The phrase "no exceptions" shows a rule, so "must" is correct.
3He ............... be in the lab right now because his car is still in the car park.
Wrong!
The speaker is making a strong present deduction from evidence, so "must" is correct.
4You ............... submit the ethics form today, but it would speed up the approval process.
Wrong!
"Needn't" shows there is no obligation, and "but" introduces the benefit of doing it anyway.
5The lights are off and the blinds are down, so they ............... be holding a meeting in there.
Wrong!
The evidence makes the meeting seem impossible, so "can't" is correct.
6To comply with the new policy, staff ............... wear their ID badges at all times on site.
Wrong!
The policy creates an obligation, so "have to" is correct.
7I ............... have misread the email, but the deadline seems to be next Friday.
Wrong!
The speaker is uncertain about a past possibility, so "might" is correct.
8You ............... park here after 6 p.m., according to the sign by the gate.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
A sign can give permission, so "may" and "can" are both correct.
9If the server logs are accurate, the outage ............... been caused by a configuration change, though a hardware fault is also possible.
Wrong!
The sentence gives a possible past cause, so "could have" is correct.
10You ............... disclose client data to anyone outside the team, even if they insist.
Wrong!
This is a strict prohibition, so "mustn't" is correct.
11With that accent, she ............... be from Dublin, though she never says where she grew up.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
The speaker is making a possible inference, so "could" and "might" are both correct.
12To enter the clean room, visitors ............... wear a lab coat at all times.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
This is an entry requirement, so "must" and "have to" are both correct.

Exercise complete

0/ out of 12 correct answers
Challenge a friend
More Exercises →

Answers

  1. Given the security footage, the intruder must have entered through the side door, not the front.
  2. If you want access to the archive, you must sign the confidentiality agreement first, no exceptions.
  3. He must be in the lab right now because his car is still in the car park.
  4. You needn’t submit the ethics form today, but it would speed up the approval process.
  5. The lights are off and the blinds are down, so they can’t be holding a meeting in there.
  6. To comply with the new policy, staff have to wear their ID badges at all times on site.
  7. I might have misread the email, but the deadline seems to be next Friday.
  8. You may / can park here after 6 p.m., according to the sign by the gate.
  9. If the server logs are accurate, the outage could have been caused by a configuration change, though a hardware fault is also possible.
  10. You mustn’t disclose client data to anyone outside the team, even if they insist.
  11. With that accent, she could / might be from Dublin, though she never says where she grew up.
  12. To enter the clean room, visitors must / have to wear a lab coat at all times.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 10 modules, 105 lessons and 688 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)

Related lesson in the course Modal verbs: how the forms work Module 04: Tenses & verb forms · Lesson 14

Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Spontaneous” October 22, 2026
  • Critical Discussion Error Correction Exercise October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Cheerless” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Prophecy” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Spirit” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Distinct” October 22, 2026
  • Comprise, consist of, include, compose, constitute, and make up: How to choose October 22, 2026
  • Describing People Vocabulary Exercise October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Properties” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Changeable” October 22, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap