Grammar study Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

Use

Affirmative/Interrogative/Negative

Can

Possibility, ability and

permission

I can solve the problem,

Can you play snooker?
She cant speak French.

Could

Ability or opportunity in the

past

You could try to contact her.

Could you get the tickets?
I couldnt believe it.

Be able to

Ability or opportunity in the

past

I was able to persuade him.

Have you been able to find him?
She wasnt able to sing the whole
song.

May

He may be fat, but he can still run fast.

Possible actions in the future,
May I speak now?
permission
I may not be there in time.

Might

Possible actions in the future

At least, you might have apologized.

She might not be there.

Must

Necessity, deduction; in the

negative form - prohibition

The house is very quiet. They must be

asleep.
You mustnt smoke here.

Have to

Obligation

I have to get up early tomorrow.

Do you have to be so rude?
She doesnt have to come.

Will

Facts in the future,

predictions, invitations

She will get married in June.

Will you give me a hand, please?
I wont see that film.

Would

Past prediction, prediction

about a possible situation

If I were you, I would stay at home.

Would you like to come with us?
I wouldnt lie to you.

Shall

Offers, suggestions

Shall I open the door?

Shall we make a toast?

Advice

You should go to the doctor.

Should I leave him alone?
She shouldnt eat so much.

Should

Autor: Lcia de Freitas Silva

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Exercises

1. Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below. Some gaps may have
more than one correct answer.
can

could

have to

must

might

should

a) 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.
b) 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.
c) 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.
d) _______________ you always say the first thing that pops into your head?
_______________ you think once in awhile before you speak?
e) 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?
f) 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.

2. Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below. Some gaps may have
more than one correct answer.
may

shall

will

would

be able to

a) Jack _______________ get upset if you don't tell him the truth.
b) _______________ I help you with your luggage?
c) Profits _______________ increase next year.
d) _______________ you pass the salt please?
Autor: Lcia de Freitas Silva

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e) I _______________ get back to you first thing on Monday.

f) I will _______________ speak perfect English very soon.

3. Insert the adequate modal verb.

a) You _______________ play in the classroom.
b) _______________ I have a cup of tea, please?
c) You _______________ study very hard to pass.
d) You _______________ speak in public places.
e) I _______________ speak many languages.
f) _______________ you help me with my luggage?
g) The film is really cool. You _______________ see it.
h) You _______________ go out with your friend.
i) You _______________ come to school on Monday. Its closed.
j) Take an umbrella. It _______________ rain.
k) _______________ I borrow your pen?
l) You _______________ do your homework.
m) Babies _______________ walk.
n) _______________ I use your phone?
o) You _______________ be home at 10.
p) I _______________ swim. Im afraid of the water.
q) _______________ they play tennis? No, they _______________.
r) You _______________ take an umbrella. Its raining.
s) I _______________ get a new passport.
t) We _______________ speak Chinese.
u) _______________ I come in?
v) I _______________ go to cinema. I _______________ study for the exams.
Autor: Lcia de Freitas Silva

Pgina 3 de 3