Modal deduction — present

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Around 11 million bits of sensory information reach the human brain every second. That discrepancy must tell us something fundamental about what the brain is actually doing. Perception itself might be a form of controlled hallucination.

Grammar Reference · Modal deduction — present

must — near certainty

That discrepancy must tell us something fundamental. — strong deduction from evidence

can't — logical

The brain can't be a passive receiver — the data shows the opposite. — ruling out with confidence

may / might / could

Perception might be a controlled hallucination. — weakening claim toward possibility

Common error

It must to explain everything. ✗ → It must explain everything. ✓ — no to after modal

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Modal deduction — present

1.He hasn't slept in 36 hours — he be exhausted.

2.That be the correct answer — the data directly contradicts it.

3.The brain be prioritising speed over accuracy in high-pressure situations.

4.She scored 100% on every test — she understand the material extremely well.

5.The stimulus was presented for only 20 milliseconds — the patient have processed it consciously.

6.There be a neurological explanation for why optical illusions persist even after we know the truth.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.I am certain the brain filters sensory data.

2.It is impossible that this is a simple recording process.

3.It is possible that cognitive bias is a structural feature.

4.I think it is possible, but not likely, that the theory is completely wrong.

5.I am almost certain this neural pathway carries visual information.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Modal deduction — present01EnglishPlans.com