In the sentence given below, the modal ‘can’t’ expresses:
Meera can’t be at the gym now. I just saw her getting on a bus to Pune.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → certainty that something is not true
The speaker has just seen Meera getting on a bus to Pune. So the speaker is sure that she is not at the gym.
| Option | Meaning and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) inability | something a person is unable to do; the sentence is not about that | My little brother can’t ride a bicycle yet. |
| (2) certainty that something is not true (answer) | can’t shows that the speaker is sure something is not true | That can’t be Rahul at the door, as he is in Delhi this week. |
| (3) prohibition | stopping someone from doing something; no one is stopping Meera | You can’t park your car in front of the hospital gate. |
| (4) a lack of necessity | shown by needn’t | You needn’t bring your own plate to the picnic. |