Complete the 12 sentences below. Choose the best answer for each one. Some sentences have two correct answers. Choose both.
Given the data gaps and the rushed timeline, the committee ............... have reached such a confident conclusion.
Wrong!
Use a modal of criticism about something that happened, not a neutral possibility.
You ............... be joking, because the final figures are identical to last quarter's.
Wrong!
Use a strong stance modal to show disbelief based on clear evidence.
If the witness is telling the truth, the suspect ............... have left through the back entrance.
Wrong!
Use a modal of logical possibility about a past action, not certainty or obligation.
The CEO ............... have known the policy was illegal, given the legal brief on his desk.
Wrong!
Use a modal that expresses a strong inference about past knowledge.
You ............... have told the client their proposal was unrealistic in front of everyone.
Wrong!
Use a modal that criticises a past action and implies it was a bad idea.
We ............... to submit the ethics form before we can access the lab, according to the handbook.
Wrong!
Use a modal-like verb that expresses formal obligation from a rule.
I ............... have to chase them for updates, but they keep missing the agreed deadlines.
Wrong!
Use a modal-like verb that expresses unwanted necessity, not lack of necessity.
To avoid sounding accusatory, you ............... phrase it as a question rather than a demand.
Wrong!
Use a modal that gives careful advice, not permission or certainty.
If you want to be taken seriously in the debate, you ............... to back up your claims with sources.
Wrong!
Use a modal-like expression for strong recommendation or moral duty.
The report ............... be accurate, but it ignores the most recent field interviews.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Both options can show a cautious concession, while the third is too strong for this context.
He ............... have been offended, because he thanked us warmly afterwards.
Wrong!
Use a modal that rules out a past possibility based on evidence.
The new intern ............... be inexperienced, but she handled the crisis call flawlessly.
Wrong!
Use a modal that concedes a point, while the others express certainty and clash with the contrast.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Given the data gaps and the rushed timeline, the committee shouldn't have reached such a confident conclusion.
- You must be joking, because the final figures are identical to last quarter's.
- If the witness is telling the truth, the suspect might have left through the back entrance.
- The CEO must have known the policy was illegal, given the legal brief on his desk.
- You shouldn't have told the client their proposal was unrealistic in front of everyone.
- We have to submit the ethics form before we can access the lab, according to the handbook.
- I must have to chase them for updates, but they keep missing the agreed deadlines.
- To avoid sounding accusatory, you might phrase it as a question rather than a demand.
- If you want to be taken seriously in the debate, you ought to back up your claims with sources.
- The report might be accurate, but it ignores the most recent field interviews.
The report may be accurate, but it ignores the most recent field interviews. - He can't have been offended, because he thanked us warmly afterwards.
- The new intern may be inexperienced, but she handled the crisis call flawlessly.
