COULDN’T OR MIGHT NOT? EXERCISE 1 – CORE MEANING
B1–B2 · IntermediatePractice the basic meaning difference between could not (inability or impossibility) and might not (uncertainty about whether something is true or will happen) in 15 multiple-choice sentences.
Choose the correct answer for each sentence, then click Check answers to see how you did.
1. We _____ contact them before we left for our trip.
Correct answer: could not
2. I'm sorry, but I _____ be able to come today.
Correct answer: might not
3. I'm sure that _____ have been him.
Correct answer: could not
4. I'm not sure, but that _____ have been him.
Correct answer: might not
5. Let's check the news. The airport _____ be open.
Correct answer: might not
6. I _____ tell him the truth about Holly, but I should have.
Correct answer: could not
7. Jeanette had made other plans, so she _____ come with us to the museum yesterday.
Correct answer: could not
8. Jeanette has made other plans, so she _____ come with us to the museum today.
Correct answer: might not
9. That incompetent lawyer _____ have possibly won that case!
Correct answer: could not
10. She _____ have told him. That's why he didn't mention anything to me.
Correct answer: might not
11. I _____ be able to make it to class tomorrow.
Correct answer: might not
12. Everyone thinks he'll win, but he _____.
Correct answer: might not
13. The news _____ have come at a worse time!
Correct answer: could not
14. They're a good team, but they _____ win yesterday.
Correct answer: could not
15. I'm not sure, but that _____ be the right answer.
Correct answer: might not
Next exercise: Couldn’t vs. Might Not – Exercise 2 →
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