Modals with more than one meaning

may

You may smoke if you want. I don’t know where he is; he may be in his office.

= You’re allowed to smoke. = It’s possible he’s in his office. = He might be in his office.

should

You should drive carefully in the rain. It’s seven o’clock. He should be home by now.

= You’re supposed to drive carefully in the rain. = He’s probably home by now.

must

Everyone must pay taxes. It’s ten o’clock. He must be home by now.

= Everyone has to pay taxes. = I’m sure he’s home by now. .

Exercise 11. Which is closest in meaning?

Example:	You may smoke in the office if you want.		___Perhaps you … ___ You’re allowed to
We should transfer the money to a savings account.		___We’ll probably … . ___I recommend that we …
This bill must be paid before the end of the month.		___I assume we’ll pay … ___We have to pay …
Employees may take their lunch hour whenever they like.		___They’re allowed to … ___It’s possible that they …
These figures have been checked already. They should be correct.		___They’re probably… ___It’s recommended they be …
We may not have enough time to go to the movies tonight.		___It’s possible we won’t … ___We’re not allowed to …
You must have a passport to enter the country.		___I’m almost sure you … ___You’re required to …
The damage is minor. It shouldn’t take long to repair.		___It probably won’t … ___It’s better not to …
You shouldn’t drive fast in bad weather.		___You probably don’t … ___It’s better not to …
I sent out those invoices two weeks ago. You must have them by now.		___I assume you … ___It’s necessary that you …
We may attract more talented employees if we improve our fringe benefits.		___Perhaps we’ll … ___We’re allowed to …
Sales should increase after we boost our advertising.		___It’s better if sales … ___Sales will probably…
Only employees may park in the company parking lot.		___Maybe only employees… ___Only employees are allowed to …
Paul hasn’t moved from his desk since this morning. He must be very busy.		___I assume he’s … ___It’s necessary that he be …
The company’s profits have been decreasing. We must start operating more efficiently.		___It’s important that we … ___I’m almost sure we…
Many people won’t be able to attend the conference on that day. We should postpone it.		___I recommend we … ___I think we’ll …