What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here are some important differences: 1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person. Examples: He can speak Chinese. She should be here by 9:00.

2. You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple Past. Examples: He should not be late. They might not come to the party.

3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses. Examples: He will can go with us. Not Correct She musted study very hard. Not Correct

Common Modal Verbs

Can Could May Might Must Ought to Shall Should Will Would

For the purposes of this tutorial, we have included some expressions which are not modal verbs including had better, have to, and have got to. These expressions are closely related to modals in meaning and are often interchanged with them.

Gap-fill Exercise
Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. Don't forget to capitalize when necessary. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer.

can

could

have to

must

might

should be

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

prefer to stay in tonight and get

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 for dramatic weather changes. You before you attempt the ascent.

be dangerous if you are not well prepared research the route a little more

4. When you have a small child in the house, you lying around. Such objects even death.

leave small objects

be swallowed, causing serious injury or

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 in the language. just say a few things

9. The book is optional. My professor said we extra credit. But we

read it if we needed

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 rain later on this

the news said there's a storm north of here and it 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 here last night.

have left it

14. Ned:

I borrow your lighter for a minute? keep it if you want to. I've

Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you given up smoking.

15. I

believe she said that to Megan! She

insult her have just said

cooking in front of everyone at the party last night. She 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 someone in this room. It be any one of us!!!

be

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. Check

Modal Verbs Exercise 2

Gap-fill Exercise
Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. Negative and past forms are also used in this lesson. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer. 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 flowers. have been David. He's the only one who would send you

4. You paying on time.

forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The landlord is very strict about

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 practicing. still get your permit before you start

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 more than a hundred miles to the nearest mechanic. Lilly: That have cost a fortune!

have it towed

9. While hiking in Alaska, you one, you

keep an eye out for bears. If you see

approach it. They are beautiful animals; however, they are be afraid of them, but educating

wild and unpredictable in nature. You

yourself about the dangers can help keep you safe.

10. I

go to work tomorrow because it is Memorial Day. The best thing get up at 6:00; I can sleep in till

about a day off from work is that I noon if I want to.

11. Yesterday, I until after midnight.

cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep

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 would correct us by saying, "One eat with one's mouth open." Or, she rest one's elbows on the table." And ask to be

every time I wanted to leave the table, she would say, "One 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 Check be wrong!

Modal Verbs Exercise 3

Gap-fill Exercise
Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. Positive and negative forms can be used. Some gaps may have more than one answer. After you complete the first part of the exercise, there is a second part described at the bottom of the page.

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 the party if she doesn't have to work overtime on Friday.

show up at

3. Nina said she would come over right after work, so she 6:00.

be here by

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

have internal

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 a day. start walking once

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

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 nothing. be there and we don't want to drive all the way over there for

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 and reconsider him for the position.

take another look at his resume

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 avoid skin irritations. Check use an organic brand to

Modal Verbs Exercise 4

Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the correct answer for each gap below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. 1. Unfortunately, James and Michelle had already made plans, so they come with us to the exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

2. They have had several major snow storms in the mountains during the last month. We had better call the highway patrol to check road conditions. The road to Smithsville be passable.

3. We should call Tim before we go over to his house; he I don't want to drive all the way there for nothing.

be there.

4. In order to win the pie eating contest, Norman would have to eat sixteen pies in ten minutes. He possibly eat that many pies - he would explode!

5. I know Eve wants to go to the ballet with us, but we'd better call her before we get her ticket. She works Wednesday nights, and she get time off that evening. be able to

6. Susan loudly.

hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so

7. It

be a bad idea to take some snacks along while we're hiking.

Last time, we got so hungry we had to come back early without finishing the hike.

8. Jerry might be angry, or he because he's so temperamental.

. You never really know with him

9. Jerry

be angry at me. I've never done anything to upset him.

10. The lamp

be broken. Maybe the light bulb just burned out.

11. When you were a child, you could swim from here to the little island in the middle of the river, you? At least, that's what your father told me.

12. She

possibly be the winner of the talent show! The other acts

were much better than hers.

13. Frank and Sarah

get tickets to the concert. The concert was

sold out a little over an hour after tickets went on sale.

14. I heard that band is really popular, and tickets sell out quickly. You get tickets if you wait too long.

15. That concert has been sold out for weeks. You

get tickets even

if you knew the band personally. It's impossible!

16. It

be a bad idea to get a car alarm for your new sports car. New

cars tend to attract thieves.

17. That

possibly be Mr. Jones. He's lost so much weight that he

looks like a completely different person.

18. You

do the job if you didn't speak Arabic fluently.

19. Jane and Bill

have gotten the invitation to the party. Perhaps,

that's why they didn't show up. I doubt they would actually skip your birthday party - they're your best friends!

20. I

have left my keys at Simon's house. I wouldn't have been able

to drive home if I had done that. They must be somewhere here in the apartment. Let's keep looking. Check

Modal Verbs Exercise 5

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. Don't forget to capitalize when necessary. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer. 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 be gone.

awhile while you get rid of them. When I get back, they

7.

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

8. You credit cards.

take along some cash. The restaurant

not accept

9. You cards.

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

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 a good score on the test if she wants to qualify to study abroad in Tokyo next semester. get

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 attending as well. Check

be

Modal Verbs Exercise 6

Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the correct answer for each gap below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer. 1. Donna: If I won the ten million dollar lottery jackpot, I job and travel the world. afford to quit my

Sam: Where

you go if you had that much money?

Donna: I don't know, I go to Kenya.

choose to spend a year in Paris - or perhaps I

Sam: How often do you buy lottery tickets?

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

try buying some

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 there anything you think I try?

recommend? Is

Waitress: You both delicious.

try the Cajun catfish - or perhaps the Gumbo. They're

Tony: That sounds wonderful, but that Actually, the prawns sound good. Umm, prawns?

be a little too spicy for me. I have the barbecued

Waitress: Sure,

you like a salad with that?

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

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? Check

Modal Verbs Exercise 7

Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the correct answer for each gap below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. 1. I'm not really sure where Beverly is. She or perhaps she's in the backyard. in the living room,

2. Doug on the table, but now it's gone.

the video we rented on his way to work. It was

3. You a flat tire on your trip.

the air pressure in your tires. You don't want to get

4. The computer isn't working. It

during production.

5. The package express mail this morning.

tomorrow afternoon. It was sent by

6. You quickly.

the tickets for the play in advance - they sell out

7. You can't mean that! You

8. If Debbie hasn't come home yet, she coffee shop.

for us in the

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

at work to

10. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I beach right now.

on a white sand

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

come to

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

scuba diving

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 red and swollen.

. That could have been why her eyes were so

17. If she was crying, she

very upset.

18. That painting

by Picasso. It could be a forgery.

19. Your diving equipment keep it in good condition.

regularly if you want to

20. If I hadn't taken a taxi, I station for hours.

for you at the train

Modal Final Test

Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the correct answer for each gap below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers. 1. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He exhausted after such a long flight. be

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 loudly.

hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so

4. The television isn't working. It

damaged during the move.

5. Kate: Jack: No, I can't.

hold your breath for more than a minute?

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 excused yourself.

leave the table once you have finished your meal and politely

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 the Colorado River right now.

down

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 resume and reconsider him for the position. take another look at his

16. You credit cards.

take along some cash. The restaurant may not accept

17. The machine

on by flipping this switch.

18. I can't stand these people - I off for awhile while you get rid of them.

get out of here. I'm going to take

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 until after midnight.

cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep

23. We ours!

no longer suffer the injustice of oppression! Freedom shall be

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

participated in their

25. The lamp

be broken. Maybe the light bulb just burned out. Check