Modal Verbs in English | Practice 2
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 context provided in the sentence. For practice, you can write the modal in the space provided.
Example
Item. If you want to finish your essay on time, start working on it right away.
Answer: had better
Why? Based on the sentence, you need to use “had better” to express the idea that doing something is strongly advisable.
When you are finished, click the button that has your answer. You will see if your answer is correct or incorrect.
Note. Your answers will not be submitted. When you leave this page, they will be deleted.
Ready? Start below.
Correct!
In this sentence “ought to” expresses the idea that something is advisable.
Incorrect!
”Used to” is for a habitual action in the past that does not happen anymore. This sentence does not give you that context.
Incorrect!
Pay close attention to the context in the sentence and try again.
Correct!
Good job! “He had better” or “he’d better” in this sentence expresses the idea that something is strongly advisable. Unless someone does what is advised, there will be serious consequences.
Incorrect!
You would say, “To pass the exam, you must study;” however, this sentence is expressing a condition. Try again.
Not quite…
Technically, this sentence makes sense using “can,” but there is a much better option given the context presented in the sentence.
Correct!
Good job! In this sentence, “might” indicates a possibility. Studying hard does not give you a 100% change of passing. “Might" indicates that the probability exists, though it may not be very hight.
Incorrect!
The missing verb has a past sense. Try again.
Incorrect!
Try again, keeping in mind that idea in the sentence is that I do not know what happened, but I have a good hypothesis about it.
Correct!
You’re doing great!
Correct!
Good job! In this sentence, “must not” indicates an action that must be completed; otherwise, you will be “breaking the rules.”
Incorrect!
Pay close attention to the context. The action is part of a rule that employees must follow.
Incorrect!
This sentence is in a present time frame. “Must have” puts the action in the past, so it does not fit here.
Incorrect!
This sentence is in a present time frame. “Will have eaten” has a future time frame, so it does not fit here.
Incorrect!
From the context in the sentence, you are giving someone advice. There is a better modal verb for that.
Correct!
Great work! “Should” is a good modal verb to express the idea of giving advice.
Incorrect!
You are close. You got the idea that “can” expresses correctly, but you must use the correct verb tense too.
Correct!
Great job! To express the idea of ability you can use “can,” but you need to use “be able to” in this sentence so you can use the future with “will.”
Correct… sort of!
Technically, this is correct. It is giving the idea of urgency, but it is a bit exaggerated. If you do not clean the house before the guests arrive, there won’t be any serious consequences.
Incorrect!
”Would rather” expresses a preference. You could say, “I’d rather have a clean house for my guests than a complete mess.” This sentence does not expressing any idea of a preference.
Incorrect!
You could use “could” here, but the main verb is “to fin.” After “could,” you do not use “to” with the infinitive.
Incorrect!
Try again. Pay close attention to the context. Could they find the document?
Correct!
You’re doing great! “Be able to” has the same idea “can.” Instead of “could,” you can use “be able to,” which fits this sentence perfectly.
Correct!
This is terrible advice, but the idea is that you should cover your tracks to avoid bad consequences.
Incorrect!
”You may” gives the idea of giving permission to do something. This is not the idea expressed in this sentence.
Incorrect!
”Would rather” expresses a preference. It does not make sense in this sentence.
Have You Completed All the Practice?
Practice 1. Use modals to complete sentences using clues.
Practice 3. Use modals to complete sentences using context clues.
Congratulations on completing this practice!
Thanks to our supporters!
This material has been made possible by supporters like you. Learn how you can support us.
“What should I learn?”
Return to lesson or use the buttons below to choose another skill or another lesson.
Thank you for Supporting Snap Language
Snap Language supporters make the creation of these materials possible.
Learn how you can support our work, get perks, and help us continue creating high-quality materials.
You can support us by simply white-listing this site.