Grammar study Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs Use Affirmative/Interrogative/Negative

I can solve the problem,

Possibility, ability and
Can Can you play snooker?
permission
She cant speak French.
You could try to contact her.
Ability or opportunity in the
Could Could you get the tickets?
past
I couldnt believe it.
I was able to persuade him.
Ability or opportunity in the Have you been able to find him?
Be able to
past She wasnt able to sing the whole
song.
He may be fat, but he can still run fast.
Possible actions in the future,
May May I speak now?
permission
I may not be there in time.
At least, you might have apologized.
Might Possible actions in the future
She might not be there.
The house is very quiet. They must be
Necessity, deduction; in the
Must asleep.
negative form - prohibition
You mustnt smoke here.
I have to get up early tomorrow.
Have to Obligation Do you have to be so rude?
She doesnt have to come.
She will get married in June.
Facts in the future,
Will Will you give me a hand, please?
predictions, invitations
I wont see that film.
If I were you, I would stay at home.
Past prediction, prediction
Would Would you like to come with us?
about a possible situation
I wouldnt lie to you.
Shall I open the door?
Shall Offers, suggestions
Shall we make a toast?
You should go to the doctor.
Should Advice Should I leave him alone?
She shouldnt eat so much.

Autor: Lcia de Freitas Silva Pgina 1 de 3

Exercises

1. Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below. Some gaps may have
more than one correct answer.

can could have to must might should

a) Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He _______________ be

exhausted after such a long flight. He ______________ prefer to stay in tonight and
get some rest.

b) When you have a small child in the house, you _______________ leave small
objects lying around. Such objects _______________ be swallowed, causing
serious injury or even death.

c) The book is optional. My professor said we _______________ read it if we needed

extra credit. But we read it if _______________ we don't want to.

d) _______________ you always say the first thing that pops into your head?
_______________ you think once in awhile before you speak?

e) I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this
room. It _______________ be lying around here somewhere. Where
_______________ it be?

f) You _______________ take your umbrella along with you today. The weatherman
on the news said there's a storm north of here and it _______________ rain later
on this afternoon.

2. Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below. Some gaps may have
more than one correct answer.

may shall will would be able to

a) Jack _______________ get upset if you don't tell him the truth.

b) _______________ I help you with your luggage?

c) Profits _______________ increase next year.

d) _______________ you pass the salt please?

Autor: Lcia de Freitas Silva Pgina 2 de 3

 e) I _______________ get back to you first thing on Monday.

f) I will _______________ speak perfect English very soon.

3. Insert the adequate modal verb.

a) You _______________ play in the classroom.

b) _______________ I have a cup of tea, please?

c) You _______________ study very hard to pass.

d) You _______________ speak in public places.

e) I _______________ speak many languages.

f) _______________ you help me with my luggage?

g) The film is really cool. You _______________ see it.

h) You _______________ go out with your friend.

i) You _______________ come to school on Monday. Its closed.

j) Take an umbrella. It _______________ rain.

k) _______________ I borrow your pen?

l) You _______________ do your homework.

m) Babies _______________ walk.

n) _______________ I use your phone?

o) You _______________ be home at 10.

p) I _______________ swim. Im afraid of the water.

q) _______________ they play tennis? No, they _______________.

r) You _______________ take an umbrella. Its raining.

s) I _______________ get a new passport.

t) We _______________ speak Chinese.

u) _______________ I come in?

v) I _______________ go to cinema. I _______________ study for the exams.

Autor: Lcia de Freitas Silva Pgina 3 de 3