Modal verbs

can could have to must might should

1. 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.

2. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you walk downtown and
explore the waterfront.

3. Hiking the trail to the peak be dangerous if you are not well prepared for dramatic weather
changes. You research the route a little more before you attempt the ascent.

4. 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.

5. Dave: you hold your breath for more than a minute?

Nathan: No, I can't.

6. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It have cost a fortune.

7. Please make sure to water my plants while I am gone. If they don't get enough water, they
die.

8. I speak Arabic fluently when I was a child and we lived in Egypt. But after we moved
back to Canada, I had very little exposure to the language and forgot almost everything I knew as a
child. Now, I just say a few things in the language.

9. 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.

10. Leo: Where is the spatula? It be in this drawer but it's not here.
Nancy: I just did a load of dishes last night and they're still in the dish washer. It be in there.
That's the only other place it be.

11. 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.

12. we pull over at the next rest stop? I really use the bathroom and I don't know if
I hold it until we get to Chicago.
13. Oh no! Frank's wallet is lying on the coffee table. He have left it here last night.

14. Ned: I borrow your lighter for a minute?

Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you keep it if you want to. I've given up smoking.

15. I believe she said that to Megan! She insult her cooking in front of
everyone at the party last night. She have just said she was full or had some salad if she
didn't like the meal.

16. Do you chew with your mouth open like that? Geez, it's making me sick watching you
eat that piece of pizza.

17. Mrs. Scarlett's body was found in the lounge just moments ago, and it's still warm! Nobody has left
the mansion this evening, so the killer be someone in this room. It be any one of
us!!!

18. Ted: I don't know why Denise starting crying when I mentioned the wedding.
Pamela: It have been what you said about her brother. Or, perhaps she is just nervous. After
all, the big day is tomorrow.

19. you always say the first thing that pops into your head? you think once in
awhile before you speak?

20. 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? be swallowed, causing serious injury or even
death.

must have to
1. I be at the meeting by 10:00. I will probably take a taxi if I want to be on time.

2. You submit the application if it has not been completely filled out. Check that the name,
address, and background information are correct. If the form is not accurate and complete, you will be
rejected and you will reapply at a later date.

3. Tina: Look at these flowers - they're beautiful! But, there's no card. Who could have sent them?
Stephanie: It have been David. He's the only one who would send you flowers.

4. You forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The landlord is very strict about paying on time.

5. You be so rude! Why don't you try saying "please" once in a while.
6. If you are over 18 in California, you take a driver training course to get a driver's
license. You can have a friend or a family member teach you instead. But remember, you
still get your permit before you start practicing.

7. You be rich to be a success. Some of the most successful people I know haven't got a
penny to their name.

8. Ed: My car broke down in Death Valley last week. I have it towed more than a hundred
miles to the nearest mechanic.
Lilly: That have cost a fortune!

9. While hiking in Alaska, you keep an eye out for bears. If you see one, you
approach it. They are beautiful animals; however, they are wild and unpredictable in nature. You
be afraid of them, but educating yourself about the dangers can help keep you safe.

10. I go to work tomorrow because it is Memorial Day. The best thing about a day off
from work is that I get up at 6:00; I can sleep in till noon if I want to.

11. Yesterday, I cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep until after midnight.

12. Nate: Oh no! I completely forgot we were supposed to pick Jenny up at the airport.
Barbara: She still be sitting there waiting for us.

13. Ingrid received a scholarship to Yale University which will cover 100% of the tuition. She
worry at all about the increasing cost of education.

14. When I was a child my grandmother was continually correcting our manners. She always used to
say, "One eat with one's mouth open." Or, she would correct us by saying, "One
rest one's elbows on the table." And every time I wanted to leave the table, she would say, "One
ask to be excused."

15. I've redone this math problem at least twenty times, but my answer is wrong according to the
answer key. The answer in the book be wrong!

might must should

1. Nancy said you didn't need to buy her anything for her birthday, but I really think you at
least get her some flowers or a nice bottle of wine.

2. Debbie said she was really busy this week, but I think she show up at the party if she
doesn't have to work overtime on Friday.
3. Nina said she would come over right after work, so she be here by 6:00.

4. Oh my God, he's unconscious. Don't move him - he have internal injuries. Somebody call
an ambulance.

5. You be kidding! That can't be true.

6. Dan: Where's the remote control? I want to change the channel.

Fiona: I don't know. It be under the couch. Or, perhaps I absent-mindedly took it into the
kitchen. I'll check in there.

7. For most people, learning a language is a challenging undertaking. Experts agree that to make the
most of your language learning experience, you practice the language regularly and push
yourself to maintain old vocabulary while acquiring new words and expressions.

8. New research suggests that exercise can reduce the chance of heart disease as well as cancer. That's
why I told my father that he start walking once a day.

9. We should invite Sally and her husband to come to the picnic on Saturday. We haven't seen them in
weeks, and they really enjoy a nice day at the beach.

10. Tim: While I was a student, I spent a year and a half studying Pygmy culture in the Central African
Republic. My research focused on unique aspects of the their social structure and religion.
Simona: That have been absolutely fascinating!

11. We had better call Tony to see if he's at home before we go over to his house. He be there
and we don't want to drive all the way over there for nothing.

12. At first, my boss didn't want to hire Sam. But, because I had previously worked with Sam, I told
my boss that he take another look at his resume and reconsider him for the position.

13. You worry so much. It doesn't do you any good. Either you get the job, or you don't. If
you don't, just apply for another one. Eventually, you will find work.

14. I would love to go on the cruise to Tahiti with Robin and Michelle. But such a luxurious trip
cost a fortune. I doubt I could afford something like that.

15. The book recommends adding fresh soil and using plant food to make your garden flowers grow.
Since some people might be allergic to chemicals in artificial plant foods, the book says that you
use an organic brand to avoid skin irritations.
Could might not

may had better have got to shall

1. I know it's rather rude, but I ask you where you purchased that pocket watch? I have been
looking for one like that for my father.

2. You look good for your interview if you want to get the sales job. You wear the
white shirt and the maroon tie. I think that'll look really professional.

3. I be at work tomorrow by 7:00. I give a marketing presentation to one of our

clients.

4. It's pretty hot in the desert at this time of year. If we are going to do some hiking, we take
at least two or three quarts of water with us. Actually, it be hotter than we expect out there -
maybe we should take a gallon or more.

5. You leave the table once you have finished your meal and politely excused yourself.

6. I can't stand these people - I get out of here. I'm going to take off for awhile while you get
rid of them. When I get back, they be gone.

7. I try a little of your Black Forest cake? It looks absolutely delicious - I taste it!

8. You take along some cash. The restaurant not accept credit cards.

9. You take along some cash. The restaurant doesn't accept credit cards.

10. we move into the living room? It's more comfortable in there and there's a beautiful view
of the lake.

11. I'm not really sure if Susan is going to go snowboarding with us or not. She decide to
stay here and study for her Japanese final. She get a good score on the test if she wants to
qualify to study abroad in Tokyo next semester.

12. I have a look at that necklace there in the display case. It's exactly what I've been looking
for.

13. We no longer suffer the injustice of oppression. We never give up the struggle
for freedom!

14. You be joking! If you think I'm going to give you a tip after you mixed up the meal
orders, spilled wine on me and insulted my wife, you get your head examined!!!
15. Ian, Evelyn and Deborah will be attending the conference. I be attending as well.

Could might should would

1.
Donna: If I won the ten million dollar lottery jackpot, I afford to quit my job and travel the world.

Sam: Where you go if you had that much money?

Donna: I don't know, I choose to spend a year in Paris - or perhaps I go to Kenya.

Sam: How often do you buy lottery tickets?

Donna: Never... I guess if I want to win the lottery, I try buying some tickets.

Sam: That help.

2.
Waitress: Hi, my name is Sandy - I'll be your waitress tonight. What can I get for you?

Tony: I haven't decided yet. Is there anything you recommend? Is there anything you think I try?

Waitress: You try the Cajun catfish - or perhaps the Gumbo. They're both delicious.

Tony: That sounds wonderful, but that be a little too spicy for me. Actually, the prawns sound good.
Umm, I have the barbecued prawns?

Waitress: Sure, you like a salad with that?

3.
Jan: What we look for in a candidate when we vote in a presidential election?

Peter: I think citizens vote for a President who has the ability to improve the quality of life in the
United States.

Jan: What you do if you were President of the United States?

Peter: I focus on reducing environmental pollution.

Jan: Every candidate always says he's going to do that, but it's a really complicated problem - it's not
one which is easily solved. What makes you think you actually stop pollution?

Modal verb forms

1. I'm not really sure where Beverly is. She in the living room, or perhaps she's in the backyard.

2. Doug the video we rented on his way to work. It was on the table, but now it's gone.
3. You the air pressure in your tires. You don't want to get a flat tire on your trip.

4. The computer isn't working. It during production.

5. The package tomorrow afternoon. It was sent by express mail this morning.

6. You the tickets for the play in advance - they sell out quickly.

7. You can't mean that! You .

8. If Debbie hasn't come home yet, she for us in the coffee shop.

9. Mike decided not to join us for lunch. He at work to finish the marketing report.

10. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I on a white sand beach right now.

11. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I come to work this week.

12. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I scuba diving lessons.

13. Margaret agreed to meet us at the entrance to the theater. She for us when we get there.

14. It Sam who called and didn't leave a message on the answering machine. He said he wanted to get
together with us this weekend.

15. The machine on by flipping this switch.

16. She . That could have been why her eyes were so red and swollen.

17. If she was crying, she very upset.

18. That painting by Picasso. It could be a forgery.

19. Your diving equipment regularly if you want to keep it in good condition.

20. If I hadn't taken a taxi, I for you at the train station for hours.

1. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He be exhausted after such a long flight.

2. The book is optional. My professor said we could read it if we needed extra credit. But we read it if
we don't want to.

3. Susan hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.

4. The television isn't working. It damaged during the move.

5. Kate: hold your breath for more than a minute?

Jack: No, I can't.

6. You be rich to be a success. Some of the most successful people I know haven't got a penny to their
name.

7. I've redone this math problem at least twenty times, but my answer is wrong according to the answer
key. The answer in the book be wrong!

8. You do the job if you didn't speak Japanese fluently.

9. You worry so much. It doesn't do you any good. Either you get the job, or you don't. If you don't,
just apply for another one. Eventually, you will find work.

10. You be kidding! That can't be true.

11. You leave the table once you have finished your meal and politely excused yourself.

12. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It a fortune.

13. we move into the living room? It's more comfortable in there and there's a beautiful view of the
lake.

14. If I had gone white water rafting with my friends, I down the Colorado River right now.

15. At first, my boss didn't want to hire Sam. But, because I had previously worked with Sam, I told
my boss that he take another look at his resume and reconsider him for the position.

16. You take along some cash. The restaurant may not accept credit cards.

17. The machine on by flipping this switch.

18. I can't stand these people - I get out of here. I'm going to take off for awhile while you get rid of
them.

19. You forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The landlord is very strict about paying on time.

20. Do you always have to say the first thing that pops into your head. you think once in a while before
you speak?

21. Terry and Frank said they would come over right after work, so they be here by 6:00.

22. Yesterday, I cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep until after midnight.

23. We no longer suffer the injustice of oppression! Freedom shall be ours!

24. If I had gone to the University of Miami, I participated in their Spanish immersion program.

25. The lamp be broken. Maybe the light bulb just burned out.

Q1. I didnt feel very well yesterday. I ..... eat anything.

 cannot
couldnt
mustnt

Q2. You ..... look at me when I am talking to you.

could
should
would

Q3. I was using my pencil a minute ago. It ..... be here somewhere!

can
could
must
would

Q4. You really ..... be late again.

must not
dont have to be

Q5. If you dont start working harder, you ..... repeat the course next year.
have to
must
will have to

Q6. His parents spoil him. Hes always ..... to do whatever he wants.
been able
been allowed

Q7. Phone her now. She ..... home by now.

has to be
must be
would be
Q8. You ..... forget your sun cream. Its going to be very hot!
dont have to
mustnt
neednt

Q9. I ..... be able to help you, but Im not sure yet.

might
would

Q10. Entrance to the museum was free. We ..... pay to get in.
neednt
didnt need to

Q11. Already as a child Mozart ..... play the piano beautifully.

could
should
would

Q12. Which sign are you more likely to see at an airport: Bags ..... not be left unattended.
can
must
may

Q13. I really ..... try to get fit.

may
must
would

Q14. ..... take a photograph of you?

Am I allowed to
May I
Q15. Students ..... borrow up to 6 books at any time.
are allowed to
could

Q16. Whose is this bag? - I dont know, but it ..... belong to Yuta.
could
may
should
would

Q17. ..... I go to the bathroom, please?

May
Must
Would

Q18. His excuse ..... be true, but I dont believe.

can
may

Q19. Its very important to ..... speak more than one language.
can
be able to

Q20. I dont like ..... get up early on a Sunday.

being able to
being allowed to
having to

Q21. ..... you speak French? - Only a few words, but my Russian is pretty good.
Can
Could

Q22. ..... you help me move this table? (Both answers are possible. Choose the more polite
 request.)
Can
Could

Q23. I ..... talk already before I was two years old.

could
should
would

Q24. I ..... help you, but I dont want to.

can
could
would

Q25. ..... you open the window, please.

Can
May

Q26. I ..... move the table. It was too heavy.

couldnt
mustnt
shouldnt
wouldnt

Q27. You ..... not put your feet on the cafeteria tables.
must not
do not have to

Q28. If you continue to practise so hard, you ..... beat me before too long!
can
could
will be able to
Q29. ..... you swim? (Both are possible. Which is better?)
Are you able to
Can

Q30. You ..... eat so much chocolate. Its not good for you.
dont have to
mustnt
shouldnt

Q31. Im afraid I ..... play tennis tomorrow. Ive got a dentist appointment.
cant
couldnt
would not be able to

Q32. You can come to the meeting if you want but you ......
have to
dont have to
mustnt

Q33. What do you want to do? - Well, we ..... have a picnic, but it looks like rain.
can
could
should
would

Q34. Im so hungry I ..... eat a horse!

can
could
must
should

Q35. The test starts at 10.30. You ..... be late.

dont have to
 mustnt

Q36. Why didnt you tell me? I ..... you!

could help
could have helped
was able to help
would help

Q37. How did you do in the test? - Ok. It ..... worse!

could be
could have been
might be
would have been

Q38. He ..... broken the classroom window. He wasnt even in school today.
couldnt have
mustnt
shouldnt have

Q39. You ..... tired. Youve only just got out of bed!
dont have to be
cant be
mustnt be

Q40. She ..... be very pleased with herself. She got the best grades.
has to
must
cannot

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