Modal Verbs in English | Practice 1
Advanced Level
Based on this lesson, choose the modal verbs that would best complete each blank in the sentences below. Base your answer on the clue provided in parentheses. For practice, you can write the modal in the space provided.
- Example
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(expressing an obligation)
You pay your taxes on time.
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Answer: must
Why? Based on the clue, you have to use “must” to express the idea of an obligation.
When you are finished, click the button that has your answer. You will see if your answer is correct or incorrect.
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Ready? Start below.
Incorrect!
“Can” expresses an ability (or lack thereof).
Incorrect!
If you want to express a prohibition, you should use “must not” or “mustn’t.”
Incorrect!
Based on the clue, you must use “need to” to express a necessity.
Incorrect!
The sentence is not incorrect, but “must” expresses an obligation or duty. Based on the clue, you should use “should” to express advisability.
You’ll get it right the next time. Let’s keep going.
Correct!
Ready for the next one?
Correct!
Good job!
You could also use “should” here with the same meaning of disapproval.
Incorrect!
“Need to” usually expresses a necessity. You should have used “ought to” here to express disapproval.
That’s okay though. Let’s just keep going.
Correct!
You’re doing great!
Incorrect!
To express a conclusion with a high degree of certainty, use “must.”
Correct!
“Must” in this context expresses a strong recommendation.
You’re doing well!
Incorrect!
“Should” expresses a suggestion, but it is not very strong. If someone is bleeding, you want to be more forceful and make a strong recommendation by using “must.”
Incorrect!
Keep going. You can always review the list of modal verbs later.
Correct!
“Had better” do something does express strong advice.
Incorrect!
Using “could” does express a possibility but, if you want to express a low likelihood, you should use “might.”
Keep going. You’re almost there.
Correct!
Good job!
Both of these modal verbs express probability, but “might” expresses a low probability.
Incorrect!
“Used to” expresses something you did in the past but not anymore. For example, “I used to go to bed at 9 when I was a kid.”
Incorrect!
Although both these modals can express the future, you need to use “will” when making a promise to do something.
Correct!
In this context, you use “will” when you make a promise.
Ready for the next one?
Incorrect!
Although you are expressing a present situation, you must use “would” because it is a hypothetical situation.
Correct!
Ready for the next one?
Incorrect!
To express a habitual or repetitive action in the past, you can use “would.” In this sentence, “might” doesn’t make much sense.
Incorrect!
Using “should” here makes it sound as though you are advising them to leave early. You need to use “may” to express that you are giving them permission to do so.
Correct!
Good job! “May” in this sentence is a way of giving employees permission to leave early.
Correct!
“Would rather” expresses a preference.
I hope you did really well!
Incorrect!
“Ought to” has the same meaning as “should” and expresses different ideas. Based on the clue, you should use “would rather” to express a preference.
Have You Completed All the Practice?
Practice 2. Use modals to complete sentences using context clues.
Practice 3. Use modals to complete sentences using context clues.
Congratulations on completing this practice!
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