Complete the conversation. Use one word in each gap.
A: Do you want to go to the cinema at the weekend? Mark and I (0) ......can...... go on Saturday or Sunday.
B: No, sorry. I’m going to be too busy. I’d love to go soon, though. I’ve been really busy this term. I (1) ........................... to go to a gig a few weeks ago, but that’s all. I (2...........................be able to go out more next term, I hope. Have you been out a lot?
A: Not really. But I went to a play last week in London. We (3........................... able to get cheap tickets for some seats near the front. We (4) ........................... see everything!
B: That sounds great!
A: Yes, it was. You (5) ........................... get some really good seats sometimes.
B: I’d love to come with you if you go again.
A: Sure. I’ll send you the new programme next week.
B: Thanks. Will we (6) ........................... able to get cheap tickets, do you think?
A: Yes, I think so. I think there are always some cheap ones.
B: Great!
Degrees of certainty (present and future)
• We use must, may, might, could and can’t to show how certain we are that something is true, or that something will happen.
• We use must when we are sure that something is true now: You must be tired.
• We use may, might or could when we think that something is possible now or in the future: That might be Paul’s car. (= Maybe it’s his.) I may go out tonight. (= Maybe I’ll go out.) You could beright. (= Maybe you’re right.) It could rain tomorrow. (= It’s possible that it will rain tomorrow.)
• We use may not or might not (but not could not) to refer to the present or future:
He may not be at home today. We might not see you next week.
• We use can’t when we think that something is impossible now. Notice the difference between may/might not and can’t: He might not be in London. (= It’s possible that he isn’t in London.) He can’t be in London. (= It’s impossible that he’s in London.)
4. Complete the sentences. Usemustormight.
0 The girl standing next to Joe looks a lot like him, doesn’t she? She ......must...... be his sister.
1 The woman in the green dress ........................... be his aunt. I’m not sure.
2 Joe........................... be really excited about his new job in Paris. He’s wanted to live in France for ages.
3 He........................... stay there for a year or two. It depends if he likes the job.
4 His brother........................... move there too next year. He hasn’t decided yet.
5 Joe’s been studying French for ages. He ........................... speak it really well.
6 I........................... visit him in the spring. I’m not sure.