MODALS + BE + -ING (Actions Happening Now) (B1 Grammar)

To make a deduction about an action happening right now, use modal + be + verb-ing: 'She must be sleeping.' Use the same modals as for deduction — must, can't, might, may, could.

Quick tip: Action happening now? Use modal + be + -ing: must be working, might be sleeping, can't be leaving.

Form: modal + be + verb-ing

For an action in progress now, use the modal, then be, then the -ing form.

• She must be sleeping — the lights are off.
• He might be working late tonight.
• They can't be training — the gym is closed.
• Yasmin could be waiting outside.

State vs action: which form?

For a state (a fact, a feeling), use modal + be + adjective. For an action in progress, use modal + be + -ing.

• She must be tired. (state) → She must be resting. (action now)
• He might be at the gym. (place) → He might be exercising. (action now)
• They can't be ready. (state) → They can't be leaving already. (action now)
• Same modals, different second part.

Same meanings: sure / not sure

Must be -ing = you're sure. Can't be -ing = you're sure it's NOT happening. Might/may/could be -ing = it's possible.

• The music is loud. He must be practising.
• She can't be sleeping — I can hear her talking.
• Lars might be having a juice at the bar.
• They could be doing a group class.

Common mistakes

• Not "She must working now." — say "She must be working now.". Don't drop 'be': modal + be + -ing.
• Not "He might be sleep." — say "He might be sleeping.". Use the -ing form for an action in progress.
• Not "They must be train right now." — say "They must be training right now.". After 'be', use the -ing form.

Practise it

Is the action happening right now? Use modal + be + -ing: 'The lights are on — she must be working.'