Modal Verbs Example, Exercise and Answer
Modal verbs function only as auxiliaries. Therefore, we call them modal auxiliaries. Here are the modal verbs we might need when we speak English :
- can
- could
- may
- might
- shall
- should
- will
- would
- must
- ought to
The modal verbs above have different meaning depending on the situation in which they are used.
Modal Verbs Meaning and Functions
Modal Verbs | Functions/description |
---|---|
can |
|
could |
|
may |
|
might |
|
shall |
|
should |
|
will |
|
would |
|
must |
|
ought to |
|
Modal Verbs Exercises
Exercise I
Choose the correct word in parentheses to complete the sentence.
- My three-year-old sister (can, may, could) count from 1 to 10.
- (Can, Will, Should) I borrow your pen for a moment?
- When I was five, I (can, could, may) run faster than my elder sister.
- If you want to be slim, you (may, will, should) eat less and do sports more.
- A: (Shall, Will, Must) I open the window? It’s too hot here. B: Yes, please.
- Is there anything I (will, shall, can) do for you?
- A: (May, Will, Should) I smoke here? B: Yes, it’s a smoking area.
- We (may, must, can) wash our hands before we have meals.
- What (would, will, can) you like to drink?
- A: What’s your suggestion? B: I think you (ought, should, must) to study harder.
Exercise II
Answer the following questions. Use modal verbs.
- Mention three things we can do to stop the virus from spreading.
- What must we do to make our parents happy?
- Write five things you may do if you are lost in the jungles.
- Can you give three suggestions to people who will go to the USA?
- Say five things you will do before you get married?
Exercise III
Complete the blanks with can, may, might, could, will, must, have to, should, ought
- Safety Shoes ____________ be worn in this area.
- You _______________ wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
- When you are hungry, you _____________ eat.
- When I was five, I ______________ not ride a bicycle.
- I ____________ not drive a car when I was a child, but now I ____________.
- Your life _________ be easy if you are smart.
- Driving too fast __________________ cause accidents.
- ___________ you hear someone crying last night?
- ____________ sit here?
- ____________ you lend me some money?
- You ____________ stop your car because the light is red.
- If you ignore that fork lift truck sign, the fork lift _________ hit you.
- That mandatory Face Shield Sign means that we _________ wear a face shield.
- “No Smoking” means that you ____________ not smoke in that area.
- The doctor told me to eat properly. I __________ not eat junk food if I want to be slim.
- You ___________ wear PPE in the workplace.
- The toilet is so dirty. We ____________ clean it.
- What ____________ I do if I want to be happy? Give me some advice.
- ____________ I smoke here? No, there’s a no-smoking sign behind you.
- Every citizen ____________ obey the city rules and regulations.
Answers
Exercise I
- My three-year-old sister can count from 1 to 10.
- Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
- When I was five, I could run faster than my elder sister.
- If you want to be slim, you should eat less and do sports more.
- A: Shall I open the window? It’s too hot here. B: Yes, please.
- Is there anything I can do for you?
- A: May I smoke here? B: Yes, it’s a smoking area.
- We must wash our hands before we have meals.
- What would you like to drink?
- A: What’s your suggestion? B: I think you ought to study harder.
Exercise II
Different answers are possible.
- a. We can stay home. b. We can avoid contact with other people. c. We must always wear a mask whenever we go out.
- a. We must study hard. b. We must follow their advice. c. We must help them do the house work.
- a. I may look for other people b. I may call the police. c. I may call my parents. d. I may call my friends. e. I may look for food when I am hungry.
- a. You should get the correct visa. b. You should have enough money to live on. c. You should be able to speak English d. You ought to visit Golden Bridge.
- a. I will save enough money first. b. I will buy a house. c. I will buy a car. d. I will make sure if my groom/bride loves me. e. I will plan the best honeymoon ever.
Exercise III
- Must
- Must
- Have to
- Could
- Could, can
- Will
- Can/may
- Could
- Can/May
- Could/Can
- Must
- May
- Must
- Must
- Should
- Must
- Have to
- Should
- Can/May
- Must
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