MODALS AND MODAL PERFECTS
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb (present/past):
1. You look tired. You _________ take a break.
2. He _______ be at work; his shift starts at 9 AM.
3. You ____________ studied harder. The exam was really difficult.
4. He was very fast. He ____________ been a professional runner.
5. We __________ go to the concert, but we’re not sure yet.
6. I ___________ hear what he said because the music was too loud.
7. They _____________ known about the meeting. No one told them.
8. She ___________ finished the race, but she hurt her ankle.
9. She ________ speak three languages fluently.
10. She _________ be at home now. The lights are off.
11. We ______________ taken that road. Now we’re stuck in traffic.
12. We ______________ rushed. The event was postponed.
Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence:
1. We (need to / must / can’t) wear a uniform at school. It’s a rule.
2. I (should have / must have / might have) studied more for the test. I got
a low grade.
3. You (didn’t need to / needn’t have / mustn’t) bought a new ticket. The
old one was still valid.
4. He (couldn’t / might not / mustn’t) swim when he was a child, but now
he can.
5. We (may / can / could) go to the beach tomorrow if the weather is good.
6. You (mustn’t / don’t have to / need to) bring your laptop; we provide
computers here.
7. We (didn’t have to / needn’t have / mustn’t) taken a taxi. The bus was
faster.
8. They (can / should / must) wear a helmet when riding a bike. It’s the law.
9. We (could have / must have / can’t have) won the game, but we made
too many mistakes.
10. I (must have / should have / needn’t have) told her the truth. Now she’s
mad at me.
11. I (must have / needn’t have / shouldn’t have) bought so many snacks. Now we
have too much food.
12. We (could have / must have / can’t have) taken a different route to avoid
the traffic jam.
Read each situation and write a sentence using the correct modal verb
(past/present)
1. Your friend didn’t bring an umbrella, and now it’s raining. Give him advice.
Example: You __________ brought an umbrella.
2. You see a man wearing a police uniform outside a bank. Make a logical
assumption. Example: He __________ be a police officer.
3. Your friend didn’t answer your call last night. You think he was asleep.
Example: He __________ been asleep when I called.
4. Your younger brother always leaves his room messy. Give him a
suggestion. Example: You __________ clean your room more often.
5. Your colleague didn’t come to work today, and nobody knows why.
Express a possibility. Example: She __________ be sick.
6. You went to the supermarket, but your fridge was already full. Express
unnecessary action. Example: I __________ bought more food.
7. Your classmate is always late for school. Give him strong advice.
Example: You __________ wake up earlier!
8. You’re planning a holiday but aren’t sure where to go. Express uncertainty.
Example: We __________ go to the beach, or maybe the mountains.
9. You see your friend carrying a heavy bag. Offer help. Example: I
__________ help you with that.
10. Someone is knocking at the door loudly, but you weren’t expecting visitors.
Express doubt. Example: It __________ be the delivery guy, but I’m not
sure.
