Revision Can, May, Must

Exercise 1.

Re-word the following sentences using ‘can’, ‘may’, or ‘must’.

1. I don’t think he did it all by himself.

2. Perhaps you’re right.

3. It is possible that they forgot it in the car.

4. Is it really true?

5. I don’t believe he has been meaning to do it.

6. It is impossible that he should have refused your request.

7. Evidently he has not read the book.

8. I wonder where it is that you met him.

9. I’m certain that he has heard the gong.

10. It was some special occasion, I’m sure.

11. He looks wet and muddy. I’m sure he has been fishing.

12. No doubt, she is out shopping.

13. I wonder what it is that you have brought in that box.

14. It’s possible that he doesn’t know we are here.

15. Is it possible that he is giving a course on the Renaissance at the University?

16. It is possible that the news is being broadcast on all the channels.

17. I’m certain they didn’t take notes of the meeting.

18. Is it possible that we are out of wrapping paper?

19. It is possible he will again forget to rule a margin down the left side.

20. “I don’t now see him driving his car. Is it possible that something has happened?” “Evidently his car is undergoing repairs.”

21. It is just impossible for you to get this thing done so soon.

22. I wonder what it is that he is doing in there.

23. Then the firing began again. This time it was impossible for it to be more than a mile away.

24. Let’s give her a call again. It is possible that she was asleep and didn’t hear the telephone.

25. You have used up all the money I gave you, I suppose.

Exercise 2.

Fill in the blanks with ‘may (might)’, ‘can (could)’ or ‘must’. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. She … not have missed his remark. It was intended for her.

2. The solution … have occurred to him too late. He was powerless to change anything.

3. As you grow older you … realize how wrong you were.

4. Who … have thought then that the case would be lost?

5. He … have said it but I … hardly believe it.

6. You … have done it for the sake of mother.

7. The mistake …not have remained unnoticed. It was too bad.

8. You say you rang him up at five in the morning. He … have been annoyed with you.

9. You … have said something in your defense. Why didn’t you?

10. I … tell by the looks on their faces that they were interested in what I was saying.

11. He … not have forgotten the events of the last few years. They … be still fresh in his mind.

12. He … have warned us. It’s so much like him to leave without saying a word.

13. Don’t forget summer is over and you … catch cold sitting like this. Better come inside and while I fix coffee you … tell me all about your problem.

14. Judging by the manner people greet you, you … be a big man here.

15. I …not have been waiting for more than ten minutes but to me it seemed an age.

Exercise 3.

Fill in the blanks with ‘can’, ‘may’ or ‘must’.

1. “Will you know where to go?” “Yes, thank you. I … always ask my brother.”

2. “I’d give anything to meet that fellow.” “We … see what … be done.”

3. She was beginning to want to ask him in but she knew that she … not do it yet.

4. I’ve other things to attend to which … be put through immediately.

5. I admire your mother’s looks. She …have been a lovely girl.

6. The apples are very good. You … eat them all.

7. “I don’t know why he did it.” “It … have amused him.”

8. They say the driver … have been going fifty miles round that blind corner, for the body to have been thrown and injured like it was.

9. You … be very prosperous, Eustace, to own a car like that.

10. Obviously Halivand had worked late the night before, as he … have done for several nights in a row, because he looked drawn and pale.

11. The water of the pool … have been heated for it steamed gently in the beams of the lamps.

12. The man danced very well. He …have spent hours taking lessons, Jack thought.

13. “At least I want to keep my mind occupied.” “You … get a good book and read it.”

14. We … not exaggerate the situation.

15. “I thought the English were great lovers of dogs.” “We think American love dollars, but there … be exceptions.”

Exercise 4.

Translate the following sentences into English using ‘can’, ‘may’ or ‘must’ wherever possible.

1. Они должны делать, как им сказано.

2. Я не могу уйти, не расплатившись.

3. Они должны вернуть все деньги.

4. Ты мог бы им позвонить и сказать, что не придешь.

5. Я так хотел есть, что чуть не съел все сразу.

6. Мне взять зонт? –Да, похоже, что будет дождь.

7. Ты не мог бы прийти немного попозже?

8. Неужели ты сам это написал?

9. Это просто не может случиться со мной.

10. Может быть, он не захотел выступить.

11. Она никогда не рассказывала о своем детстве, и этому, должно быть, была какая-то причина.

12. Но я просто не могу идти дальше.

13. Нора отвела сына в свою комнату. Мне было слышно, как они там разговаривали.

14. «Не нужно преуменьшать опасность», -- сказал он.

15. «Я не вижу, что еще я мог бы тогда сделать», --сказал он.

16. Я должен оставаться здесь весь день?

17. Он спросил, не могу ли я позаниматься с его классом на следующем уроке.

18. Возможно, они еще ведут следствие по этому делу.

19. Возможно, они были на вечере, но я их не видел.

20. Отец очень сердит. Что это ты опять натворил?

21. Он, вероятно, скоро позвонит нам.