(CAN, SHOULD & MUST) (ESL)level: Intermediate (B1/B2) This third mixed modals exercise practices can, should, and must in natural everyday contexts. The key is identifying what the sentence is really expressing — ability, advice, or logical deduction — and matching that to the right modal. The grammar review below explains these distinctions clearly. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); GRAMMAR REVIEW! Can, should and must — choosing the most natural option This exercise asks you to choose the more natural-sounding modal. That is a different skill from simply knowing the grammar rules — it requires understanding how native speakers actually use these words in everyday conversation. Context clues that point to must: When a sentence describes something that is almost certainly true based on evidence or logic, the natural choice is the modal expressing near-certainty: She hasn’t eaten all day. She ________ be hungry. (logical deduction) Context clues that point to expressing ability: When a sentence describes what someone is or isn’t able to do: He’s a great swimmer. He ________ swim very fast. Context clues that point to advice: When a sentence offers a recommendation, warning, or suggestion: You look tired. You ________ go to bed earlier. The key is identifying what the sentence is really expressing — deduction, ability, or advice — and then selecting accordingly. READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO! Choose the modal verb that best completes each sentence.