MODALS (COULD NOT/MIGHT NOT) 2
B1–B2 · IntermediateThe difference between could not and might not depends on whether the speaker means inability, impossibility, or uncertainty. This time, interpret those meanings in a range of sentence patterns.
Choose the correct answer for each sentence, then click Check answers to see how you did.
1. Cynthia ______________ be able to retake the test that she failed.
Correct answer: might not
2. I just ______________ tell my mom the truth.
Correct answer: could not
3. My brother was convinced that the woman we saw ______________ have been his wife.
Correct answer: could not
4. Well, I wasn't too keen on it at first, but that ______________ be such a bad idea after all.
Correct answer: might not
5. It's pretty early, so there's a chance that the cafe ______________ be open yet.
Correct answer: might not
6. Tom ______________ understand half of what his neighbor was saying.
Correct answer: could not
7. We'd better stop at a gas station. We ______________ have enough gas to make it back home.
Correct answer: might not
8. I ______________ be the smartest student in class, but I study the hardest.
Correct answer: might not
9. Oliver ______________ bear the thought of living there for one more year.
Correct answer: could not
10. Try those boots on before buying them. They ______________ fit you.
Correct answer: might not
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