Modals Of Possibility And Probability! Grammar Quiz

1. The French guard remained mute after I asked him a question. It ____ mean he didn't understand me. (slight possibility)

The French guard remaining mute after being asked a question suggests a slight possibility that he didn't understand. The words "might," "may," and "could" all convey this sense of uncertainty and possibility, making them suitable options to complete the sentence.

Explanation

The French guard remaining mute after being asked a question suggests a slight possibility that he didn't understand. The words "might," "may," and "could" all convey this sense of uncertainty and possibility, making them suitable options to complete the sentence.

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2. Some Chinese students always do really well on exams. It ____ mean they study a lot. (strong possibility)

The word "must" is used to express a strong possibility or certainty. In this context, it suggests that it is highly likely that Chinese students who do well on exams study a lot.

Explanation

The word "must" is used to express a strong possibility or certainty. In this context, it suggests that it is highly likely that Chinese students who do well on exams study a lot.

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3. My plants are dead. I ________________________________________________

Must give them more water

Can't not have given them enough water.

Couldn't give them enough water.

Can't have given them enough water.

The correct answer is "can't have given them enough water." This answer implies that the speaker believes they did not give their plants enough water, which is why they are dead. The use of "can't have" suggests that it was not possible for them to have given enough water, indicating a lack of ability or opportunity.

Explanation

The correct answer is "can't have given them enough water." This answer implies that the speaker believes they did not give their plants enough water, which is why they are dead. The use of "can't have" suggests that it was not possible for them to have given enough water, indicating a lack of ability or opportunity.

4. The Muslim man who was sitting next to me smiled and gave me a handshake after I told him my opinion on immigration issues. _____ it means he agreed with me. (slight possibility)

The correct answer for this question is "Perhaps" or "Maybe". This is because the Muslim man's smile and handshake could indicate agreement with the speaker's opinion on immigration issues, but it is not certain. The use of "perhaps" or "maybe" suggests that there is a slight possibility that the man agreed, but it is not definitively stated.

Explanation

The correct answer for this question is "Perhaps" or "Maybe". This is because the Muslim man's smile and handshake could indicate agreement with the speaker's opinion on immigration issues, but it is not certain. The use of "perhaps" or "maybe" suggests that there is a slight possibility that the man agreed, but it is not definitively stated.

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5. I visited the front of Michael Jackson's family house. It's huge. That _____ means they are very rich. (strong possibility)

The given sentence implies a strong possibility that Michael Jackson's family is wealthy based on the observation of their large house. To express this strong possibility in the sentence, we need a word that conveys a high level of certainty. The word "certainly" is an adverb that means "definitely" or "without a doubt." Using the word "certainly" in the given sentence emphasizes the speaker's belief that the size of the house is clear evidence of the family's wealth. So, by saying "That certainly means they are very rich," the speaker is expressing a strong conviction that the large size of Michael Jackson's family house is a clear indication of their wealth.

Explanation

The given sentence implies a strong possibility that Michael Jackson's family is wealthy based on the observation of their large house. To express this strong possibility in the sentence, we need a word that conveys a high level of certainty. The word "certainly" is an adverb that means "definitely" or "without a doubt." Using the word "certainly" in the given sentence emphasizes the speaker's belief that the size of the house is clear evidence of the family's wealth. So, by saying "That certainly means they are very rich," the speaker is expressing a strong conviction that the large size of Michael Jackson's family house is a clear indication of their wealth.

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