Modal Verbs Exercises
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express a range of meanings, such as possibility, ability, permission, obligation, and advice. They add nuance and sophistication to your English.
Exercise 1: Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence.
- You _____ smoke in the library. (can / must not / should)
- _____ I borrow your pen? (May / Must / Will)
- She _____ speak three languages fluently. (can / may / ought to)
- You _____ study hard for the exam. (have to / should / will)
- _____ you help me with this task? (Could / May / Must)
- You ____ finish your homework before playing. (must/should)
- We ____ go hiking if the weather is good. (can/might)
- She ____ speak three languages fluently. (can/will)
- ____ you like to join us for dinner? (Would/Should)
- They ____ be at home now; it’s quite late. (might/can)
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using the modal verb in parentheses.
- It is necessary for you to wear a helmet. (must)
- Perhaps she will go to the party. (may)
- I advise you to eat more vegetables. (should)
- It is possible that he is late. (could)
- You are not allowed to enter the restricted area. (cannot)
- It is necessary for you to wear a mask. (Use must)
- There is a chance that they will win the game. (Use might)
- It’s a good idea to revise before the exam. (Use should)
- Is it okay if I use your computer? (Use may)
- He was able to solve the problem quickly. (Use could)
Exercise 3: Complete the following sentences with the appropriate modal verb.
- I _____ drive a car when I was 18.
- You _____ be more patient with children.
- _____ I use your phone for a minute?
- They _____ finish the project by Friday.
- He _____ speak English very well.
Modal Verbs Exercises Answer Key
Exercise 1
- must not
- May
- can
- should
- Could
- must
- might
- can
- Would
- might
Exercise 2
- You must wear a helmet.
- She may go to the party.
- You should eat more vegetables.
- He could be late.
- You cannot enter the restricted area.
- You must wear a mask.
- They might win the game.
- You should revise before the exam.
- May I use your computer?
- He could solve the problem quickly.
Exercise 3
Comment Your Answer!
What Are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that modify the meaning of the main verb. They provide additional information about the action, such as:
- Possibility: It might rain later.
- Ability: She can play the piano.
- Permission: May I leave early?
- Obligation: You must wear a seatbelt.
Common Modal Verbs and Their Uses
- Can
- Expresses ability or possibility.
- Example: She can solve this puzzle easily.
- Could
- Indicates past ability, polite requests, or possibility.
- Example: Could you pass me the salt?
- May
- Used for formal permission or possibility.
- Example: You may enter the room now.
- Might
- Expresses less certain possibilities.
- Example: It might snow tomorrow.
- Must
- Shows strong necessity or obligation.
- Example: You must submit your assignment by Monday.
- Shall
- Suggests future intention or offers.
- Example: Shall we go for a walk?
- Should
- Indicates advice or moral obligation.
- Example: You should exercise regularly.
- Will
- Expresses certainty or future intention.
- Example: I will call you tomorrow.
- Would
- Used for polite offers or hypothetical situations.
- Example: Would you like some coffee?
I hope these exercises help you enhance your English language skills!