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MODAL VERBS.

CAN General ability in the present:

● I can read a book in two days.
●She can type(ability in the present)
Permission:
Asking for permission (informal):
●Can I go to the party?
●Can I borrow your pen?
Giving permission (informal)
●You can have one if you want.
Refusing permission:
●You can’t enter this room.
Possibility / Probability:
●I think it can rain today.
●Can he still be at work?(=Is it possible?)
Request:
●Can you switch on the TV?
●Can you help me tidy my room?
Negative assumption or supposition (see must):
=It does not seem possible, I don’t think
●That man can't be Peter, because he is in Africa now.
●You have been sleeping all day. You can’t be tired.(=I don’t
think it’s possible that you are tired)
Prohibition:
●You can’t enter the club without a card.(You are not
allowed)

BE ABLE TO (It's not a modal but the adjective able plus the preposition to)
Specific ability:
●I was able to ride a bike with only one hand.
●She was able to dance for hours when she was young.(repeated
action in the past, ability in the past)

BE ALLOWED TO
●you are not allowed to park here. It's forbidden to park here.
●He has not been allowed to enter the building.

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MAY (more polite than can)
Permission:
Asking for permission (formal)
●May I go to the party?
●May I use your phone?
Giving permission (formal):
● You may stay a little longer.
Possibility/Probability: less possible, very uncertain, perhaps, very possible.
●They may have missed the train (past)
●They may miss their train (present /future)= (I don't think it's possible)
●I think it may rain again today.
●He may be back before noon. (=it’s possible)
Offering:
●May I help you?

COULD (almost the same as can, but with slight differences):

Ability in the past:
●I could read a book when I was six.
●He could run fast when he was 17.(ability in the past)
Permission:
Asking for permission (more polite):
●Could I go to the party?
●Could I leave early, please?
●Could I borrow you pen?
Possibility/Probability (more remote, possible):
●It could rain today, but I don't think so.
●He could still be at home.(=It’s possible)
Polite request: (more polite):
●Could you please open the door?
●Could I have some tea?
●Could I have a little more cake please?
Negative assumption (more remote):
●That man couldn't be Peter, because he is in Africa now.
Positive assumption:
●That man had to be Peter, because he is in Africa now)
High degree of certainty:
●He couldn't/can't have been in Rome last week.
Suggesting:
●You could buy a smaller one.
MIGHT
The same as may, but with slight differences: Although might is the past form
of may it can be used for present situations too.
Permission:
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 Asking for permission (more or too formal):
●Might I go to the party?
●Might I see your driving license, please?
Possibility/Probability (more remote, perhaps, very possible ):
●It might rain today, although it's not likely.
●There might be some cheese in the fridge.(It’s possible)

WILL Future tense:

●I will get married some day

Formal or friendly requests: (but not so formal as Could)

●Will you open the window, please?
●Will you please post this letter for me?
●Will you do me a favour? (friendly request)
Some degree of certainty (not so certain, but probable):
●We will / should probably finish We are likely to finish.
Logical deduction:
●Can you answer the phone? It’ll be Mum.(100%certain)
Warnings:
●Try harder or you’ll fail your exams.
●You will get fat if you eat too much.
Offers:
●I’ll make you coffee if you want (friendly offer)

Promises:
●Don’t worry my friend I’ll see you tonight, I promise.
Predictions:
●I expect she will come early.
Threats:
●Stop doing that or I’ll kill you.
Suggestions:

On-the-spot decisions:
●It’s raining. I’ll put up my umbrella.
Opinions:
●
Hopes:
●I hope she will come on time.
Fears:

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SHALL is used with I or we in:
Questions:
●Shall we go to the cinema tonight?
Suggestions:
●Shall we go to the match tonight?
●Shall we go by taxi?
●Shall we buy him a present?
Offers:
●Shall I help you with the bags?
●Shall I close the window?
●Shall I post this letter for you?
MUST Internal obligation =speaker obligation, affirmative deduction, strong
obligation
“Must” means that I decide.
●I must visit Peter, who is ill in hospital.
●I must do my homework (obligation)
●I must do my homework first, (indoor obligation)
●I must work till late tonight.(=I decide)
●You must tell the truth.(obligation)
●We must follow the school rules (obligation, I’m obliged to)
Affirmative assumption (see can):
●That man must be Peter, because the car he's driving is the
same.

High degree of certainty: I'm sure, I'm (almost)certain.(I think)

● He must be in Rome now
●He must have been in Rome last week.(past)
●They look alike. They must be twins.(=I think they are twins)
Necessity:
Personal feelings of necessity.
●It’s raining. I must take my umbrella (necessity)
●I must see a doctor (I decide it is necessary)
●You must try to stand up and walk.(necessity)

MUSTN'T:
Prohibition or refusing permission:
●You mustn't talk in class when someone is saying something.
●You mustn’t drive fast.
●You mustn’t park here. It’s forbidden.(Prohibition, refusing
permission)

HAVE TO:
It’s not a modal. External obligation: only part of the speaker
obligation) “Have to” means that somebody else decides.
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 External obligation:
●In Spain I have to drive on the right-hand side of the road,
because that's the rule.
●I have to do my homework first (outdoor obligation)
●Soldiers have to wear a uniform.
●Does he have to be at work on time?
Necessity:
External necessity.
●He has to go to hospital.
●I have to do my homework every day. (Others decide it is
necessary)

HAVE GOT TO
Informal. It’s necessary
●I’ve got to leave early today.

DON'T/DOESN'T/DIDN’T HAVE TO:

Absence of obligation:
● I don't have to come to class on Sunday because the school
is closed.
●He didn’t have to do the shopping yesterday.

DON'T / (DIDN'T) NEED TO (=don't have to)

Absence of obligation or necessity:
It’s not necessary.:
●You needn’t take an umbrella. It isn’t raining.
It’s not necessary in the present/future:
●You don’t need/have to do it now. You can do it later.
It was not necessary in the past:
●He didn’t need /have to go to work yesterday because it
was Sunday.
Need as a modal verb: we needn't call the doctor.
v.s
Need as a common verb: we didn't need to call the doctor.
●You didn't need to do your homework (undone action)
●You needn't have done your homework (done action)
●I don't need to study any more because I have already passed the
exam.
●There’s enough bread. You needn’t buy any.(no necessity)

DARE
(=atreverse, arriesgarse, aventurarse)
Used as a modal or as a main verb.
●I dare say the reason why. (modal verb)
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 ●He dared tell her he’d heard the name “Potter” (main verb)
●I didn’t dare speak(main verb)
WOULD the everyday actions conveyed with would are more likely to
from part of our routine.
Conditional tense:
●If I were a rich man I would buy the world.
Habit in the past (=used to)
●When he arrived home he would(=used to) take off his coat
and turn on the TV.

Polite or formal requests:

●Would you carry my suitcase?
●Would you type these letters, please?(polite request)

WOULD LIKE (TO)

Polite or formal offers and suggestions:
●Would you like to come with me to the party?
●Would you like to drink some water? (offer)
●Would you like me to answer the phone? (offer)
●Would you like some more lemonade?(polite offer)
Inviting:
●Would you like to join us?

SHOULD Advice:
●You should smoke less. It's dangerous for your health.
●You should walk more (general advice, I advise you)
Obligation:
●I should finish the report by today but now they will
have to wait for it.
Greater uncertainty:
●It should be Mum (but it might not be)
Logical deduction:
●The family should be home soon.

OUGHT TO Advice(not so strong as should, similar to opinions)

●The Government ought to stop terrorism.
●I oughtn’t to cook vegetables so long.
●You ought to have stayed in bed.(have +pp)
Logical deduction:
●They left hours ago, they ought to be home now.
Disapproval:
●They ought to shut up and listen.

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HAD BETTER Advice:
Advice for a specific situation, it’s a good idea.
●You’d better see you dentist.
●You had better stay in bed.
●You’d better check that the doors are all locked.
●You’d better not go home till fog clears.
●Hadn’t you better wear something warmer?

NOTES
●We can also use have to and able to after other modal verbs:
●We might have to help.
●They ought to be able to repair it.

1●Fill in “can”, can’t”, could” or “couldn’t”:

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When I was young I …………… play sport but I………….dance well. Now I’m
old. I …………. climb the stairs, but I…………….. sit in my armchair and watch
TV.

2●Fill in “have to”, “has to”, “don’t / doesn’t have to”, didn’t have to”, “had
to” or “won’t have to”.

1.It’s Sunday tomorrow so I …………………………………..get up early.

2.There’s no school tomorrow, so the children ……………..go to bed early.
3.We went to a restaurant yesterday, so we …………………………..cook..
4.Let’s clean up now, so we…………………………………do it tomorrow.
5.It rained yesterday, so I…………………………………water the flowers.
6.Lucy feels better now, so she…………………………...take the medicine.
7.You’ve got plenty of time. You……………………………………...hurry.
8.He………………………………………...shout or else she can’t hear him.
9.It was very cold yesterday so I………………………………...wear a coat.
10.She…………………………………...wear glasses or else she can’t read.
11.I can’t go out tonight. I……………………………….study for my exam.
12.I took the dog for a walk this morning so you…………take it out tonight.
13.My car doesn’t work, so I…………………………………..take the train.
14.I broke my tooth, so I………………………go to the dentist’s yesterday.

3●Fill in the gaps with “mustn’t or needn’t”.

A teacher is speaking to his students before a test:

“You are going to have a test today. Your test papers are on your desks.
You…………. begin until I tell you. You ……………. hurry; you have plenty of
time. You ……………….speak during the test. You ……………….copy your
friends’ work and you ………………….open your books. You …………………
write in pen; if you prefer you can write in pencil. You ……………… stay when
you’ve finished; you can leave if you want to, but you …………….be noisy. When
you leave you ……………… wait for your friends outside the classroom. Wait
outside the building!. Finally, I wish you all good luck. You can begin now!”

4.Fill in “could”, ”can”, “shall”, “mustn’t”, “can’t”, “needn’t” or “will”:

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We ………………….. study tomorrow as it’s Saturday, so …………….we go to
the beach? We ………………..take some sandwiches to eat. …………………..you
bring something to drink? ………………………..you invite your sister too? We
……………….be late home though, as I’m going out at 7 o’clock..

5●Fill in the correct modal verb:

1.I don’t feel well, …………………………………………..you call a doctor?

2………………………………………………. I help you move the furniture?
3………………………………………………… you iron the clothes, please?
4…………………………………… we go climbing? No, let’s go swimming.
5.You ……………………………………………….to shout, I can hear you.
6.You ……………………………….. come to the party if you don’t want to.
7.You ………………………………………...…brush your teeth after meals.
8.”I’m hungry”. “Don’t worry – I …………………make a sandwich for you.
9.Where ………………………………………….we go on holiday this year?
10.A fish ………………………..swim but it ……………..…………….. fly.
11.She is very rich. She ……………………………………………….. work.
12.He ……………. read when he was seven but he …………………..swim.
13.You ……………………. be late for dinner tonight. We’re having guests.
14.He’s got a cold. He ………………………………stay in bed for a week.
15.I haven’t got any money. …………………………….you lend me some?
16.Client: …………….I see Mr. Parson?
Officer: I’m sorry, You ………….see him. He’s busy at the moment.

6●Jane’s mother is going shopping. She is telling Jane what she wants her to do.
Fill in “must”, “have to”, “mustn’t”, or “needn’t”.

Mother: Jane, you………………………. tidy your room while I’m out.

Jane: But Mum, I want to watch TV.
Mother: You can watch TV later.
Jane: ………………. I …………………….. wash the windows, too?
Mother: No, you…………………. wash the windows and you …………..
polish the furniture either.
Jane: Do you want me to clean the kitchen as well?
Mother: No, there are a lot of switches in there. You …………….touch them.
Jane: Okay, Mum. Will you bring me some chocolates?
Mother: I will, but you ………………... eat them all at once or you’ll get sick.
7●A doctor is talking to his patient. Fill in “must”, mustn’t or needn’t.

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You are much better Mr. Brown and you …………..stay in hospital any longer. You
can go home today. However, you,…………………. go back to work for two weeks.
You …………………… stay in bed all day but you ………………… go outside for
a week. You …………………….. smoke any cigarettes and you
………………………drink water. You ………………….remember to take your
medicine every four hours. You ………………………………. get very tired so you
………………………… have any visitors if you don’t want to. Finally, you
………………………….leave today until the nurse gives you all your medicine.

8●Complete the sentences with one of the modal verbs listed below:

must, mustn’t, can, can’t, could, couldn’t needn’t, will, won’t

1.Dogs …………………………………………………….fly.
2.You…………………………... wear a coat, it’s quite warm.
3.Students………………….be quiet when they write the test!
4.I……………………go to school tomorrow because I am ill.
5……………………………….you open the window, please?
6.You………………………………drive fast. It’s dangerous!
7.When he was fifteen he………….run fast but he can’t now.
8.She’s a famous ballerina. She……………..dance very well.
9.She ………………………. dance at the party because her leg was broken.
10.If you go to bed so late every day, of course you ………………feel tired.
11.Your father is sleeping. You …………………………………… be noisy.
12.Birds ……………………… fly.
13.If you don’t study, you ………………………….. do very well in the test.
14.He is late; he ………………………………………………. run to school.
15.We ……………. book a table in the restaurant. John has already booked one for
us.
16.Lions ……………………. sing.
17.He …………………………… buy anything he wanted when he was rich.
18.You ………………………………………….smoke. It is forbidden in here.
19.We ………………………..leave now. We can stay for a while if you want.
20.I …………………………………………... send you a postcard from Spain.
21.He’s a good tennis player. He …………………………….. play tennis well.
22.I …………………………………………take the umbrella first. It’s raining.
23.You …………….. take your medicine or you …………………... get better.

9.Fill in: can, could or be able to in the correct tense:

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John:………………………………. you ski?
Dave: Yes, I…………………. I went skiing last year and I………………………..
go down the learner’s slope easily.
John: I…………………….. ski when I was younger, but since I hurt my leg
I………………………….
Dave: Actually, I think ice-skating is much easier. I…………………………. ice-
skate when I was five years old.
John: Really? I tried ice-skating once, but I………………………….. stand up at all!

10.Fill in: can, could, was able to, can’t, couldn’t, or wasn’t, / haven’t been able
to:

Dear Mary,
I’m very pleased you ………………come to stay at the weekend. I’m sorry
…………………………talk to you on the phone yesterday, but I
……………………leave the baby, I ……………………get tickets for the theatre on
Saturday. I ………………….. wait to go. Mum says that when she was young you
………………………..have a night out for £21. You certainly ……………….now!
We ………………………………fix the car yet but Mum says we ………….borrow
hers. By the way, the baby……………. say three new words!. See you on Friday.
Love, Anna.

11.Fill in: may, might, could, must or can’t.

Dear “Unhappy”,
You …………….be serious about leaving home! There …………….be problems
with your family, but there ……………..be another solution. You ……………try
talking to a friend or a relative. You ……………have some aunts or cousins who
can help. You …………………find that discussing the problem all together is
better. Your parents ……………………….. be really angry as you think; they
…………………..be upset but they ………………. realize why you’re so unhappy.
I suggest you try talking to them again - you ………………………….be surprised.

12.Fill in: can’t, could, may, or might.

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Sue: How old do you think Steve is?
Mary: He …………be a bit older than we are, but he certainly ………. be more
than 25.
Sue: I don’t know. He …………………….be older than you think. He takes very
good care of himself, you know. He ……………………….be as old as thirty.
Mary: No, he …………………... be. I know because he left school just before I did.
Sue: You …………………………be right, but I’m still not really convinced.

13●Fill in: can, may, could, mustn’t or can’t:

Jim: Mum,…………………………………………. I go to the library?

Mother: Of course you …………….., Jim, but you ……………………..stay very
long.
Jim: ………………………………..I stay until 8 o’clock?
Mother: No, you…………………………….., because the concert starts at 8:30.
(at the library)
Jim:…………………………... I look at the latest “Musician” magazine, please?
Librarian: Yes, you………….., but remember that you………………… take it out of
the library.
14●Fill in: can, could, would, shall or will:

John: …………………………………you like some coffee, darling?

Jane: No, I don’t think so. …………………………...we get the bill?
John: OK. Waiter – excuse me. ……………….you bring us the bill, please?
Waiter: Here you are sir. ………………………….I take these plates away?
John: Thank you. …………………you have a pen to sign this cheque please? Jane,
…………………you give me my glasses?
Waiter: ………………………..you me to get a taxi for you sir?
John: Yes, please.
Waiter: And I …………………….bring your coats in a minute.

Shop assistant: ………………………….I help you?

Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a jumper. ……………………you show me some?
Shop assistant: Yes, of course. What size …………………………………you like?
Customer: Medium, please.
Shop assistant: I …………………get some to show you. Is there anything else you
…………………………..like to see?
Customer: ………………………………I try on some skirts as well?
Shop assistant: Certainly.
Shop assistant: Do you them?
Customer: Yes, I do. I ………………………………….take them all.
Shop assistant: …………………………………I wrap them for you?
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Customer: Yes, please.

15.Fill in: will, shall, won’t, should, ought to or had better:

Mum: ……………………….you be late home tonight, Sally?

Sally: Yes, I …………..I’m going to a party. But I ……………… be too late. I have
to work tomorrow.
Mum: ………………………………..I keep some dinner hot for you?
Sally: No, thanks Mum. There ……………………..be lots to eat at the party.
Mum: …………………………..I come and collect you in the car?
Sally: No, there’s no need. I ………………………come home with Niki.
Mum: Well, ……………………..I wait up until you get back?
Sally: No Mum. Please don’t. Oh no! Look at the time! What ……….. I wear, Mum?

Jill: You ………………………………….ask someone to paint the house this year.

Laura: Yes. It’s beginning to look a bit dirty. I can’t really afford it, though. Do you
think I …………………………………..try to get a loan?
Laura: No, you ……………………….not. You might have a problem paying it
back.
Jill: I ……………………..do something about the roof as well. It leaks when it rains
hard.
Laura: Really? You ………………….take care of it now or the ceiling will fall in!
Jill: Yes, you’re right. I ……………ring someone today and ask them to look at it.
Note: should/ought to /had better can be used interchangeably)

16.Fill in: Mustn’t, needn’t, don’t need/have to, didn’t need/have to, have to or
can’t:

Mum: You ………….. watch TV now. You have to do your homework.

Bobby: I …………………….do it. Doing homework is stupid, anyway.
Dad: Bobby, you ………………………. speak to your mother like that.
Bobby: I’m sorry. Well, at least. I ……………………………….write a composition
today.
Dad: When I was a boy we ………………………………….do much homework, but
now I’m sorry because I didn’t learn much.
Bobby: If you ……………………………..do homework, then why ……I
………………do mine?

John, I want you to look after your brother this evening. He ……….. go out and he
…………………. forget to do all his homework. You ……………….let him watch
TV until he’s finished it. He ………………….watch the film either – it starts very
late. He ………………….. have a bath; he had one in the morning. There’s a cake in
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the cupboard but you ………………… eat it all – leave some for you sister. You
……………………..do the washing-up: I’m going to do it tomorrow. You
………………….make too much noise. We might be quite late home because we
…………… leave the party tonight until most of the guests have left. And you
……………..go to bed without having a wash and brushing your teeth. But you
…………………… wait up for us.

17.Rewrite the sentence using the words given in bold type:

1.It isn’t necessary to buy a ticket.

NEED ……………………………………………………………………………….

2.I advise him to be more careful.

OUGHT ……………………………………………………………………………..

3.I think that’s John’s car.

MUST ………………………………………………………………………………..

4.I don’t think he is her brother.

CAN’T ……………………………………………………………………………….

5.He couldn’t swim when he was five.

ABLE ………………………………………………………………………………..

6.It’s possible that he will win the race.

MIGHT ……………………………………………………………………………..

7.You are not allowed to play in their garden.

MUSTN’T ……………………………………………………………………………

8.It wasn’t necessary for them to repair the car.

NEED ………………………………………………………………………………..

9.Shall I pour you another drink?

WOULD ……………………………………………………………………………..

10.It’s not possible for you to eat so much.

CAN’T ………………………………………………………………………………
11.Do you want me to open the window?
SHALL ……………………………………………………………………………..

12.It’s just possible she’s still at work.

COULD …………………………………………………………………………….
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13.Do you want me to help you with that?
WOULD …………………………………………………………………………….

14.I don’t think she is the woman who spoke to me.

CAN’T ………………………………………………………………………………

15.We don’t have to go shopping with Mum.

NEED’T …………………………………………………………………………….

16.Is it really possible that she’s 50 years old?

CAN …………………………………………………………………………………

17.It would be a good idea to tell him the truth.

BETTER …………………………………………………………………………….

18.I advise you to study harder.

SHOULD …………………………………………………………………………….

18. Using the correct form of the modal verbs , rewrite the sentences so that the
meaning is almost identical as the sentences provided.
MODAL VERBS: Ability and obligation.

1.I was supposed to finish the report by today but now they will have no choice but
to wait for it.

2. Luckily enough, I managed to get hold of some tickets which had been returned to
the box office

3. We weren't obliged to wait for a long time in the doctor's surgery. The receptionist
told us to go straight in.

4. It was in your power to do a lot more help than you did.

5. It is important for me to come to a decision soon, otherwise there’s a possibility I

lose the chance.

6. I miss having a view. In my last house it was possible to see for miles on a clear
day.

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7. If you want to apply for a council improvement grant, it is compulsory to fill
in form RYC44.

8. When will it be possible for you to deliver the new computer.

9. It wasn't necessary to buy all those provisions. We are only going for a weekend
not for a month.

10.Do you think it would be advisable for me to book a seat in advance?

11.It has been impossible for me to go to the bank yet, so I haven't any money.

12.It isn't necessary for us to leave soon. The show doesn't start till 8.

13.It isn't necessary for you to decide immediately. You can let me know tomorrow.

14.Nothing new came up at the meeting. I don't think it was necessary for me to
have gone.

15..He had the ability to speak German when he was younger.

19. Use MUST or CAN’T and the correct form of the verb in brackets:

1. The alarm clock is ringing. It...............(be)time to get up.

2. John was very late last night. He...........................(miss)the
last train.
3. I have no cigarettes left. I............................(smoke) more
than usual this morning.
4. I've finished my work Sir, "But that's impossible, you..................(finish)
already".

20.Use MAY / MIGHT HAVE to express possibility:

1. If she has money she..................go abroad next week.

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 2. If John had gone to Australia, he.................become a
sheep farmer.
3. If I had listened I..............................lost less money.
4. Why did you take such a risk? You.....................died.
5. That was a silly thing to do. She..............hurt herself badly.
6. I......................left it here when I changed my suit.
7. I can't find my pocket book. It......................be in the
other jacket.
8. Father is late tonight. He ...........................have extra
work at he office.
9. Take your coat. It..............................turn cold in the
evening.
10. Buy a lottery ticket. You..................win a large prize.
11. Don't drink that water. It....................... be infected.
12. You never can tell Peter.................become Prime Minister
some day.

21.Using the correct form of the modal verb in capitals, rewrite the sentences so
that the meaning is almost identical.

1.I'm sure he is in love with Mary(MUST)

2 You are not allowed to walk on the grass.(MAY)

3.don't believe it's ten o'clock.(CAN)

4-You'd better call the police. (SHOULD)

5.Perhaps he works for the mafia.(MIGHT)

6-Why don't you bring me that book?(COULD)

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7.Please stop talking. (COULD)

8-Please sit down.(WILL)

9-You cannot walk on the grass.(MUST)

10-Peter, you study very little. (SHOULD)

11.He wasn't able to lift the piano.(COULD)

12.It's forbidden to enter the building.(CAN)

13.It's just possible that the phone is out of order.(MIGHT)

14.He used to smoke his pipe in the evenings. (WOULD)

15.Let me help you.(CAN)

16-The Government is not creating enough work.(OUGHT)

17.I insist that you do as I say.(MUST)

18.We didn't call the doctor because it wasn't necessary.(NEED)

19
19.Do you know how to make an omelette?(CAN)

20-Why don't we go for a walk?(SHALL)

21.Perhaps it is going to rain.(COULD)

22-You're not allowed to look.(MUST)

23.It's possible that she's visiting her parents.(MAY)

24-You are not obliged to say anything.(NEED)

25.I'm sure that this is not Peter. He is taller. (CAN)

26.Do you mind if I sit here?(MIGHT)

27.In Spain we drive on the right-hand side of the road.(HAVE TO)

22● Fill in: must or have to:

1. Many children in Britain ……………wear uniform when they go to school.
2. Last night Don suddenly became ill. We ……………………call the doctor.
3. I’m afraid I can’t come tomorrow. I ……………………………...work late.
4. I can stay in bed tomorrow morning, because I ……………………….work.
5. Whatever you do, you …………………… touch that switch. It’s dangerous.
6. She ……………….get up early. She gets up early because she only wants to.
7. You ……………………………….. play with matches! You’ll burn yourself.
8. Pupils ………………………………watch this play. It’s optional.
20
23● Rewrite the following sentences using a modal verb:

1. Perhaps he phoned, but I was out earlier.

He ………………………………………………………………………….………

2. If you want my advice, see a doctor!

You……………………………………………………………………….………...

3.It’s impossible that you found the jewels.

You…………………………………………………………………………………

3. Perhaps he is in Bristol now.

He …………………………………………………………………………………

5. Where is Oxford Street?

……………………………………………………………………………………..

6. If I were you, I sold the old typewriter.

You ………………………………………………………………………………

7. I’m sure it’s Tom who clears everything.

Tom
…………………………………………………………………………………

8. It would be a good idea if Harry took a holiday.

Harry ………………………………………………………………………………

9. I’m sure John is not the thief.

John ………………………………………………………………………………

10.Chewing gum is forbidden in class.

You ………………………………………………………………………………
11.I wonder if you mind opening the window.

…………………………………………………………………………………….

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Key to the modal exercises:

1●Fill in “can”, can’t”, could” or “couldn’t”:

When I was young I could play sport but I couldn’t dance well. Now I’m old. I
can’t climb the stairs, but I can sit in my armchair and watch TV.

2●Fill in “have to”, “has to”, “don’t / doesn’t have to”, didn’t have to”, “had
to” or “won’t have to”.

1.It’s Sunday tomorrow so I won’t have to get up early.

2.There’s no school tomorrow, so the children don’t have to go to bed early.
3.We went to a restaurant yesterday, so we didn’t have to cook..
4.Let’s clean up now, so we won’t have to do it tomorrow.
5.It rained yesterday, so I didn’t have to water the flowers.
6.Lucy feels better now, so she doesn’t have to take the medicine.
7.You’ve got plenty of time. You don’t have to hurry.
8.He has to shout or else she can’t hear him.
9.It was very cold yesterday so I had to wear a coat.
10.She has to wear glasses or else she can’t read.
11.I can’t go out tonight. I have to study for my exam.
12.I took the dog for a walk this morning so you won’t have to take it out tonight.
13.My car doesn’t work, so I have to take the train.
14.I broke my tooth, so I had to go to the dentist’s yesterday.

3●Fill in the gaps with “mustn’t or needn’t”.

A teacher is speaking to his students before a test:

“You are going to have a test today. Your test papers are on your desks. You mustn’t
begin until I tell you. You needn’t hurry; you have plenty of time. You mustn’t speak
during the test. You mustn’t copy your friends’ work and you mustn’t open your
books. You needn’t write in pen; if you prefer you can write in pencil. You needn’t
stay when you’ve finished; you can leave if you want to, but you mustn’t be noisy.
When you leave you mustn’t wait for your friends outside the classroom. Wait
outside the building!. Finally, I wish you all good luck. You can begin now!”

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4.Fill in “could”, “shall”, “mustn’t”, “can’t”, “needn’t” or “will”:

We needn’t study tomorrow as it’s Saturday, so shall we go to the beach? We

could / can take some sandwiches to eat. Could /Can / will you bring something to
drink? Could/will/Can you invite your sister too? We mustn’t be late home though,
as I’m going out at 7 o’clock..

5●Fill in the correct modal verb:

1.I don’t feel well, Could/can /would you call a doctor?

2.Shall I help you move the furniture?
3.Would /Can/Could/Will/ you iron the clothes, please?
4.Shall we go climbing? No, let’s go swimming.
5.You don’t need to shout, I can hear you.
6.You needn’t come to the party if you don’t want to.
7.You must brush your teeth after meals.
8.”I’m hungry”. “Don’t worry – I will make a sandwich for you.
9.Where shall we go on holiday this year?
10.A fish can swim but it cannot fly.
11.She is very rich. She needn’t work.
12.He could read when he was seven but he couldn’t swim.
13.You mustn’t be late for dinner tonight. We’re having guests.
14.He’s got a cold. He must stay in bed for a week.
15.I haven’t got any money. Could /Will/Can you lend me some?
16.Client: May I see Mr. Parson?
Officer: I’m sorry, You can’t see him. He’s busy at the moment.

6●Jane’s mother is going shopping. She is telling Jane what she wants her to do.
Fill in “must”, “have to”, “mustn’t”, or “needn’t”.

Mother: Jane, you must tidy your room while I’m out.
Jane: But Mum, I want to watch TV.
Mother: You can watch TV later.
Jane: Do I have to wash the windows, too?
Mother: No, you needn’t wash the windows and you needn’t polish the
furniture either.
Jane: Do you want me to clean the kitchen as well?
Mother: No, there are a lot of switches in there. You mustn’t touch them.
Jane: Okay, Mum. Will you bring me some chocolates?
Mother: I will, but you mustn’t eat them all at once or you’ll get sick.

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7●A doctor is talking to his patient. Fill in “must”, mustn’t or needn’t.

You are much better Mr. Brown and you needn’t stay in hospital any longer. You can
go home today. However, you, mustn’t go back to work for two weeks. You needn’t
stay in bed all day but you mustn’t go outside for a week. You mustn’t smoke any
cigarettes and you must drink water. You must remember to take your medicine
every four hours. You mustn’t get very tired so you needn’t have any visitors if you
don’t want to. Finally, you mustn’t leave today until the nurse gives you all your
medicine.

8●Complete the sentences with one of the modal verbs listed below:

must, mustn’t, can, can’t, could, couldn’t needn’t, will, won’t

1.Dogs can’t fly.

2.You needn’t wear a coat, it’s quite warm.
3.Students must be quiet when they write the test!
4.I won’t go to school tomorrow because I am ill.
5.Will you open the window, please?
6.You mustn’t drive fast. It’s dangerous!
7.When he was fifteen he could run fast but he can’t now.
8.She’s a famous ballerina. She can dance very well.
9.She couldn’t dance at the party because her leg was broken.
10.If you go to bed so late every day, of course you will feel tired.
11.Your father is sleeping. You mustn’t be noisy.
12.Birds can fly.
13.If you don’t study, you won’t do very well in the test.
14.He is late; he must run to school.
15.We needn’t book a table in the restaurant. John has already booked one for us.
16.Lions can’t sing.
17.He could buy anything he wanted when he was rich.
18.You mustn’t smoke. It is forbidden in here.
19.We needn’t leave now. We can stay for a while if you want.
20.I will send you a postcard from Spain.
21.He’s a good tennis player. He can play tennis well.
22.I must take the umbrella first. It’s raining.
23.You must take your medicine or you won’t get better.

9.Fill in: can, could or be able to in the correct tense:

John: Can you ski?

Dave: Yes, I can. I went skiing last year and I could/was able to go down the
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learner’s slope easily.
John: I could/was able to ski when I was younger, but since I hurt my leg I haven’t
been able to.
Dave: Actually, I think ice-skating is much easier. I could/was able to ice-skate
when I was five years old.
John: Really? I tried ice-skating once, but I couldn’t/wasn’t able to stand up at all!

10.Fill in: can, could, was able to, can’t, couldn’t, or wasn’t, / haven’t been able
to:

Dear Mary,
I’m very pleased you can come to stay at the weekend. I’m sorry couldn’t/wasn’t
able to talk to you on the phone yesterday, but I couldn’t/wasn’t able to leave the
baby, I was able to get tickets for the theatre on Saturday. I can’t wait to go. Mum
says that when she was young you could/were able to have a night out for £21. You
certainly can’t now!
We haven’t been able to fix the car yet but Mum says we can borrow hers. By the
way, the baby can say three new words!. See you on Friday.
Love, Anna.

11.Fill in: may, might, could, must or can’t.

Dear “Unhappy”,
You can’t be serious about leaving home! There may/might be problems with your
family, but there must be another solution. You could try talking to a friend or a
relative. You must have some aunts or cousins who can help. You may/might find
that discussing the problem all together is better. Your parents can’t be really angry
as you think; they may/might be upset but they must realize why you’re so unhappy.
I suggest you try talking to them again - you may/might/could be surprised.

12.Fill in: can’t, could, may, or might.

Sue: How old do you think Steve is?

Mary: He may be a bit older than we are, but he certainly can’t be more than 25.
Sue: I don’t know. He could/may/might be older than you think. He takes very
good care of himself, you know. He could/may/might be as old as thirty.
Mary: No, he can’t be. I know because he left school just before I did.
Sue: You may/might be right, but I’m still not really convinced.

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13●Fill in: can, may, could, mustn’t or can’t:

Jim: Mum, can/may I go to the library?

Mother: Of course you can, Jim, but you can’t/mustn’t stay very long.
Jim: Can/Could I stay until 8 o’clock?
Mother: No, you can’t, because the concert starts at 8:30.
(at the library)
Jim: May/Could I look at the latest “Musician” magazine, please?
Librarian: Yes, you can, but remember that you mustn’t/can’t take it out of the
library.

14●Fill in: can, could, would, shall or will:

John: Would you like some coffee, darling?

Jane: No, I don’t think so. Shall we get the bill?
John: OK. Waiter – excuse me. Could you bring us the bill, please?
Waiter: Here you are sir. Shall I take these plates away?
John: Thank you. Could you have a pen to sign this cheque please? Jane, can/could
you give me my glasses?
Waiter: Would you me to get a taxi for you sir?
John: Yes, please.
Waiter: And I will bring your coats in a minute.

Shop assistant: Can I help you?

Customer: Yes, I’m looking for a jumper. Could/Would you show me some?
Shop assistant: Yes, of course. What size would you like?
Customer: Medium, please.
Shop assistant: I will get some to show you. Is there anything else you would like to
see?
Customer: Can/Could I try on some skirts as well?
Shop assistant: Certainly.
Shop assistant: Do you them?
Customer: Yes, I do. I will take them all.
Shop assistant: Shall I wrap them for you?
Customer: Yes, please.

15.Fill in: will, shall, won’t, should, ought to or had better:

Mum: Will you be late home tonight, Sally?

Sally: Yes, I will I’m going to a party. But I won’t be too late. I have to work
tomorrow.
Mum: Shall I keep some dinner hot for you?
Sally: No, thanks Mum. There will be lots to eat at the party.
26
Mum: Shall I come and collect you in the car?
Sally: No, there’s no need. I will come home with Niki.
Mum: Well, Shall I wait up until you get back?
Sally: No Mum. Please don’t. Oh no! Look at the time! What shall I wear, Mum?

Jill: You should/ought to ask someone to paint the house this year.
Laura: Yes. It’s beginning to look a bit dirty. I can’t really afford it, though. Do you
think I should/ought to try to get a loan?
Laura: No, you had better not. You might have a problem paying it back.
Jill: I should/ought to do something about the roof as well. It leaks when it rains
hard.
Laura: Really? You had better take care of it now or the ceiling will fall in!
Jill: Yes, you’re right. I had better ring someone today and ask them to look at it.
Note: should/ought to / had better can be used interchangeably)

16.Fill in: Mustn’t, needn’t, don’t need/have to, didn’t need/have to, have to or
can’t:

Mum: You can’t watch TV now. You have to do your homework.

Bobby: I don’t have to/need to do it. Doing homework is stupid, anyway.
Dad: Bobby, you mustn’t speak to your mother like that.
Bobby: I’m sorry. Well, at least. I don’t have to/don’t need to /needn’t write a
composition today.
Dad: When I was a boy we didn’t have to do much homework, but now I’m sorry
because I didn’t learn much.
Bobby: If you didn’t have/need to do homework, then why do I have to do mine?

John, I want you to look after your brother this evening. He can’t go out and he
mustn’t forget to do all his homework. You mustn’t let him watch TV until he’s
finished it. He can’t/mustn’t watch the film either – it starts very late. He needn’t
have a bath; he had one in the morning. There’s a cake in the cupboard but you
mustn’t eat it all – leave some for you sister. You needn’t do the washing-up: I’m
going to do it tomorrow. You mustn’t make too much noise. We might be quite late
home because we can’t leave the party tonight until most of the guests have left. And
you mustn’t go to bed without having a wash and brushing your teeth. But you
needn’t wait up for us.

17.Rewrite the sentence using the words given in bold type:

1.It isn’t necessary to buy a ticket.

27
NEED You don’t need to buy a ticket.

2.I advise him to be more careful.

OUGHT He ought to be more careful.

3.I think that’s John’s car.

MUST That must be John’s car.

4.I don’t think he is her brother.

CAN’T He can’t be her brother.

5.He couldn’t swim when he was five

ABLE He wasn’t able to swim when he was five.

6.It’s possible that he will win the race.

MIGHT He might win the race.

7.You are not allowed to play in their garden.

MUSTN’T You mustn’t play in their garden.

8.It wasn’t necessary for them to repair the car.

NEED They didn’t need to repair the car.

9.Shall I pour you another drink?

WOULD Would you like me to pour you another drink?

10.It’s not possible for you to eat so much.

CAN’T You can’t eat so much.
11.Do you want me to open the window?
SHALL Shall I open the window?

12.It’s just possible she’s still at work.

COULD She could still be at work.

13.Do you want me to help you with that?

WOULD Would you like me to help you with that?

14.I don’t think she is the woman who spoke to me.

CAN’T She can’t be the woman who spoke to me.

15.We don’t have to go shopping with Mum.

NEED’T We needn’t go shopping with Mum.

16.Is it really possible that she’s 50 years old?

CAN Can she really be 50 years old?
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17.It would be a good idea to tell him the truth.
BETTER You had better tell him the truth.

18.I advise you to study harder.

SHOULD You should study harder.

18.. Using the correct form of the modal verbs , rewrite the sentences so that the
meaning is almost identical as the sentences provided.

1.MODAL VERBS: Ability and obligation.

1. I was supposed to finish the report by today but now they will have no choice but
to wait for it.
1. I should have finished the report by today but now they will have to wait for it.

2. Luckily enough, I managed to get hold of some tickets which had been returned to
the box office.
2. Luckily enough, I could or was able to get hold of some tickets which had been
returned to the box office.

3. We weren't obliged to wait for a long time in the doctor's surgery. The receptionist
told us to go straight in.
3. We didn't need to or didn't have to wait for a long time in the doctor's surgery. The
receptionist told us to go straight in.

4. It was in your power to do a lot more help than you did.

4. You could have done a lot more help than you did.

5. It is important for me to come to a decision soon, otherwise there’s a possibility I

lose the chance.
5.I must come to a decision soon, otherwise I might lose the chance.

6.1 miss having a view. In my last house it was possible to see

for miles on a clear day.
6.I miss having a view. In my last house I could see for miles on a clear day.

7. If you want to apply for a council improvement grant, it is

compulsory to fill in form RYC44.
7.If you want to apply for a council improvement grant, you have to fill in form
RYC44.

8. When will it be possible for you to deliver the new computer?

8. When can you deliver the new computer?
29
9. It wasn't necessary to buy all those provisions. We are only going for a weekend
not for a month.
9.You needn't have bought all those provisions. We are only going for a weekend
not for a month
.

10.Do you think it would be advisable for me to book a seat in advance?

10.Do you think I should book a seat in advance?

ll. It has been impossible for me to go to the bank yet, so I

haven't any money.
11.I couldn't go to the bank yet, so I haven't any money.

12.It isn't necessary for us to leave soon. The show doesn't start till 8.
12.We don't have to leave soon. The show doesn't start till 8.

13.It isn't necessary for you to decide immediately. You can let me know tomorrow.
13.You needn't decide Or you don't have to decide immediately. You can let me
know tomorrow.

14.Nothing new came up at the meeting. I don't think it was necessary for me to
have gone.
14.Nothing new came up at the meeting. I don't think I need have gone.

15.He had the ability to speak German when he was younger.

15.He could speak German when he was younger.

19. Use MUST or CAN’T and the correct form of the verb in brackets:
1. The alarm clock is ringing. It must be time to get up.
2. John was very late last night. He must have missed the last
train.
3 I have no cigarettes left. I must have smoked more than usual this morning.
4. I've finished my work Sir, "But that's impossible, you can't have already
finished".

30
20. Use MAY / MIGHT HAVE to express possibility:

1. If she has money she may go abroad next week.

2. If John had gone to Australia, he might have become a sheep farmer.
3. If I had listened I might have lost less money.
4. Why did you take such a risk? You might have died.
5. That was a silly thing to do. She might have hurt herself
badly.
6-I might have left it here when I changed my suit.

7.I can't find my pocket book. It may or might be in the other jacket.

8. Father is late tonight. He may or might have extra work at he office.

9. Take your coat. It may or might turn cold in the evening.

10.Buy a lottery ticket. You might win a large prize.
11.Don't drink that water. It may or might be infected.
12.You never can tell Peter may become Prime Minister some day.

21.Using the correct form of the modal verb in capitals, rewrite the sentences so
that the meaning is almost identical.

1. I'm sure he is in love with Mary.(MUST)

1.He must be in love with Mary.

2. You are not allowed to walk on the grass.(MAY)

2. You may not walk on the grass.

3.I don't believe it's ten o'clock (CAN).

3.I can't believe it's ten o'clock.

4-You'd better call the police. (SHOULD)

4.You should call the police.

5.Perhaps he works for the mafia.(MIGHT)

5.He might work for the mafia.

6.Why don't you bring me that book?(COULD)

31
6.Could you bring me that book?

7.Please stop talking. (COULD)

7.Could you please stop talking?

8-Please sit down.(WILL)

8.Will you please sit down?

9-You cannot walk on the grass.(MUST)

9-You mustn't walk on the grass.

10-Peter, you study very little. (SHOULD)

10.Peter, you should study harder

11.He wasn't able to lift the piano.(COULD)

11.He couldn't lift the piano.

12.It's forbidden to enter the building.(CAN)

12-You can't enter the building.

13.It's just possible that the phone is out of order.(MIGHT)

13-The phone might be out of order.

14.He used to smoke his pipe in the evenings. (WOULD)

14.He would smoke his pipe in the evenings.

15-Let me help you.(CAN)

15.Can I help you?

16-The Government is not creating enough work.(OUGHT)

16-The Government ought to create more work.

17.I insist that you do as I say.(MUST)

17-You must do as I say.

32
18.We didn't call the doctor because it wasn't necessary.(NEED)
18.We didn't need to call the doctor.

19.Do you know how to make an omelet?(CAN)

19.Can you make an omelet?

20-Why don't we go for a walk?(SHALL)

20.Shall we go for a walk?

21.Perhaps it is going to rain.(COULD)

21.It could rain.

22.You're not allowed to look.(MUST)

22.You mustn't look.

23.It's possible that she's visiting her parents.(MAY)

23.She may be visiting her parents.

24,You are not obliged to say anything.(NEED)

24-you needn't say anything or You don't need to say anything.

25.I'm sure that this is not Peter. He is taller. (CAN)

25.He can't be Peter.

26.Do you mind if I sit here?(MIGHT)

26-Might I sit here?

27.In Spain we drive on the right-hand side of the road.(HAVE TO)

27.In Spain we have to drive on the right-hand side of the road

22● Fill in: must or have to:

9. Many children in Britain have to wear uniform when they go to school.
10.Last night Don suddenly became ill. We had to call the doctor.
11.I’m afraid I can’t come tomorrow. I must work late.
12.I can stay in bed tomorrow morning, because I don’t have to work.
13.Whatever you do, you mustn’t touch that switch. It’s dangerous.
14.She doesn’t have to get up early. She gets up early because she only wants to.
15.You mustn’t play with matches! You’ll burn yourself.
16.Pupils don’t have to watch this play. It’s optional.
33
23● Rewrite the following sentences using a modal verb:
4. Perhaps he phoned, but I was out earlier.
He could have phoned.

5. If you want my advice, see a doctor!

You should see a doctor.

3.It’s impossible that you found the jewels.

You can’t find the jewels.

4. Perhaps he is in Bristol now.

He might be in Bristol now.

5. Where is Oxford Street?

Could you tell me where Oxford Street is?

6. If I were you, I sold the old typewriter.

You should sell the old typewriter.

10.I’m sure it’s Tom who clears everything.

Tom must clean everything.

11.It would be a good idea if Harry took a holiday.

Harry should take a holiday.

12.I’m sure John is not the thief.

John can’t be the thief.

10.Chewing gum is forbidden in class.

You mustn’t chew gun in class.
12.I wonder if you mind opening the window.
May I open the window?

34