modal verbs exercises

Alejandro

English Teacher

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Modal verbs exercises Rewrite each sentence so that it contains can, could, must, have to or should, including negative forms.

Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence.

a) Look at those clouds. I think it can/might/must rain.

b) This is impossible! It can’t be/mustn’t be/may not be the answer.

c) Well done! You may be/must be/might be very pleased!

d) I’ve no idea where Jane is. She could be/must be anywhere!

e) I suppose it’s possible. I might/can/must come to your party.

f) I’m not sure. I must not/may not be able to come to your party.

g) That can’t be/mustn’t be/may not be David. He hasn’t got a bike.

h) Lisa isn’t here yet. She can be/must be on her way.

i) There’s someone at the door. It can be/could be the postman.

j) Sorry, I can’t come/may not come out tonight. I have to do my homework.

k) I must/might/can buy a laptop soon – it depends.

l) Let’s send them an email. I think I can’t/might/mustn’t have the address.

m) They aren’t out there, so they can/can’t/must be waiting outside.

n) He can’t speak Portuguese. He can’t/mustn’t/may be Brazilian.

o) If we can’t get tickets here, we can/must/couldn’t go to the other cinema instead.

p) She’s always got the latest equipment – she must/might/can have a lot of money.

Alejandro

English Teacher


Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word given. Use between two and five words.

Do the modal verbs express ability or permission?

a) My sister was on the computer last night, so I couldn’t connect to the Internet. __________

b) You can borrow my laptop if you promise to be careful with it. __________

c) You can’t go online without a router. __________

d) I won’t be able to send you the pictures until next Saturday. __________

e) Were you able to fix that problem with your computer? __________

f) I’ll be able to borrow the car – my parents said it’s OK. __________

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English Teacher


Rewrite each sentence so that it does not contain the phrase underlined.

Rewrite each sentence using modal verbs.

a) Sarah is really good at swimming.

Sarah _________________________________________ well.

b) It’s possible that our team will win.

Our team _________________________________________ win.

c) I’m sure this isn’t the right road.

This _________________________________________ the right road.

d) I’m sure you work very hard!

You _________________________________________ very hard.

e) Caroline isn’t allowed to come to our party.

Caroline _________________________________________ to our party.

f) It’s possible that I’ll see you tomorrow, but I’m not sure.

I _________________________________________, but I’m not sure.

g) I’m afraid that your teacher is unable to come today.

I’m afraid that _________________________________________ today.

h) I’m sure it’s very hot here in summer.

It _________________________________________ here in summer.

i) Excuse me, is it all right if I open the window?

Excuse me, _________________________________________ the window?

j) I suppose you’re Mrs. Perry. How do you do?

You _________________________________________ Mrs. Perry. How do you do?

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English Teacher


k) Do you know how to break the code?

_________________________________________ break the code?

l) Students are allowed to borrow these books.

Students _________________________________________ borrow these books.

m) I’ve tried to contact Joe, but without success.

I _________________________________________ contact Joe yet.

n) It wasn’t possible for me to copy your CD.

I _________________________________________ copy your CD.

o) It’ll be easy to burn CDs with this program.

You _________________________ burn CDs easily with this program.

p) It won’t be a problem to send an email later.

I _________________________________________ send an email later.

q) If I were you, I would complain.

You _________________________________________ complaint.

r) It wasn't necessary to hit the boy, but Peter did.

Peter _________________________________________ the boy.

s) Is it possible to reach the top on foot?

_________________________________________?

t) I’m sure she hasn't been going out with him.

She _________________________________________

u) Would it be possible for me to use your phone for a second time?

_________________________________________?

v) You'd better not stay under that balcony.

You _________________________________________.

w) Where's Hugh? I don't know. Perhaps he's gone out to fetch the paper.

I don't know. He _________________________________________

x) She's too stupid! I’m sure he won't fall in love with her.

He _________________________________________.

y) Sally: we were seven people travelling in the same car for more that 300 km.

John: I guess the journey wasn't a very comfortable one.

It _________________________________________ journey

z) She wishes you had helped her with her paper.

You _________________________________________.

aa) Dogs are not allowed in this restaurant.

Dogs _________________________________________.

bb) Perhaps you'll pass your exam if you study a bit more.

You _________________________________________.

cc) He is completely sure she was there when he arrived.

She _________________________________________.

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English Teacher


dd) It wasn't necessary for them to buy a new car. They could have repaired the old one.

They _________________________________________

ee) It wasn't easy at the beginning but then I understood it.

ff) Firstly l ______________________________ but eventually ______________________________.

gg) It is unnecessary for you to change your dress.

You need _________________________________________.

hh) It was wrong of you to speak like that.

You _________________________________________.

ii) I’ve never been to Rome. It's impossible we met there.

We _________________________________________.

jj) Dave isn’t answering the phone. I’m sure he is out.

Dave _________________________________________.

kk) Perhaps you are right but I don’t think so.

You _________________________________________.

ll) Carol knows a lot about films. I’m sure she goes to the cinema a lot.

Carol _________________________________________.

mm) It’s impossible that he knows it. I didn’t tell him.

He _________________________________________.

Complete the sentences. Use the affirmative or negative form of the verbs in the list. More than one answer may be possible.

a) You __________ be over eighteen to get a credit card.

b) In Spain, you __________ drive on the left.

c) You __________ pay on that website – it’s free.

d) You _______________ give any personal details – it’s optional.

e) You’ve been studying for hours. You __________ have a rest.

f) You __________ touch that red cable – it’s dangerous.

g) You__________spend so much time online.

have to must need (to) ought to should

Alejandro

English Teacher


Rewrite each sentence.

Alejandro

English Teacher


Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the words given. Do not change

the word given. You must use between two and five words.

Alejandro

English Teacher


Rewrite each sentence so that it contains can’t, might, must, should or needn’t.

Rewrite each sentence beginning as shown.

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English Teacher


Alejandro

English Teacher


Agree with what people say. Use might have, mightn’t have, could have or couldn’t have. Sometimes more than one

answer is correct.

a) Perhaps the missing girl has run away from home.

Yes,

b) The computer didn’t make a mistake. That’s impossible.

No, the computer

c) It’s possible that Louise didn’t receive our message.

No, she

d) I suppose it’s possible the thief had a key.

Yes, he

e) Perhaps Phil has missed the train.

Yes,

f) It’s possible that the driver didn’t see the warning sign.

Yes,

Put in must have or can’t have and the past participle of the verb given.

Mike: I can’t wind the film on this camera.

Robert: You (finish) __ __ the film, then.

Mike: I (use) ________________a whole film. I’ve only taken four photos!

Robert: Well, you (put) ________________ the film correctly, then. You (do) ________________ it wrong.

Write a sentence with should/ought to or should have/ought to have.

a) Jeremy didn’t lock his door when he went out.

He should have locked it.

b) Mr. Little smokes at meal times.

He…

c) The picnickers left litter everywhere.

They…

d) Sue didn’t look before crossing the road.

She…

e) Alan never says hello to people.

He…

f) Mary was late for her job interview.

She…

Put in might have, shouldn’t have, must have and can’t have with the past participle of the verbs.

A: There’s a parcel outside. The postman (leave) ________________ it.

B: Well, he (leave) __________ it outside. Someone (take) _______________ it. Why didn’t he ring the bell?

A: He always rings. You (be) ________________ out when he came.

B: I haven’t been out. So he (ring) ________________ the bell.

Alejandro

English Teacher


Rewrite the sentences.

a) You aren’t allowed to copy these DVDs.

You

b) It isn’t necessary to go online.

You

c) It isn’t a good idea to leave the computer on.

You

d) It’s important that I remember to read my emails

I

e) There’s no obligation that I remember to read my emails.

I

f) There’s no obligation to pay on that website.

You

g) I recommend that you get some antivirus software.

You

h) It’s compulsory to show your identification.

You

i) It’s necessary to enter a password.

You

j) It isn’t necessary to phone before you visit me.

You

k) Perhaps John is at school now.

John

l) Taking the book without permission was the wrong thing to do

You

m) Chewing gum is forbidden in class.

You

n) I suggest you get a second opinion.

You

o) He isn’t here. Perhaps he went home.

He

p) If you want my advice, see a doctor!

You

q) The teacher allows students to leave early on Fridays.

Students

r) My coat needs dry-cleaning. I will take it tomorrow.

I

s) A driving licence is not necessary for the job.

You

t) Perhaps the post will arrive soon.

The post

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English Teacher


u) She hasn’t called me. She probably didn’t remember my number.

She

v) He was here a moment ago. I am sure you saw him.

You

w) Perhaps he telephoned, but I was out earlier.

He

x) Maybe he didn’t want to meet us.

He

y) It was stupid of Alan to be rude to his boss.

Alan

z) You made a big mistake leaving the car unlocked.

You

aa) It will not be necessary for them to book the tickets for the concert.

They

bb) It is not necessary for you to bring the equipment.

You

cc) Would you like me to put some more wood in the fire while you are out?

Shall

dd) It is not necessary for her to buy everything.

She

ee) It wasn’t necessary for him to go to the meeting.

He

ff) Would you like us to type these notes for you?

Shall

gg) It would have been better if she had not spoken like that.

She should

hh) Can I cut the grass for you?

Shall

ii) Can people under 18 drink alcohol in the United Kingdom?

Are

jj) It can’t be a problem to climb the wall.

It

kk) Would you like us to help you?

Shall

ll) Kindly tell that old woman where the main office is, please.

Would

mm) They didn’t let us go into our own house.

We weren’t

nn) It would have been better if we hadn’t moved.

We should

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English Teacher


oo) Do you want us to buy the newspaper from the shop today?

Shall

pp) They didn’t let her speak to the audience.

She wasn’t

qq) He can’t smoke in the underground.

He

rr) If you want my advice, go to the dentist!

You

ss) Will you close the door when you leave, please?

Do you mind

tt) In my opinion, taking some exercise would be good for you.

You

uu) He knows how to play tennis.

He

vv) It’s not necessary for you to make your bed.

You

ww) Smoking is forbidden in hospitals.

You

xx) Will you post this letter for me, please?

Do you mind

yy) I’m sure they are at home. The lights are on.

They

zz) Maybe your friend will call you on your birthday.

Your friend

aaa) They don’t allow smoking in this room.

You

bbb) I’m sure she’s telling lies.

She

ccc) Perhaps they only open the museum in the morning.

They

ddd) It’s possible that her boyfriend is coming to the wedding.

Her boyfriend

eee) I would like you to read this letter.

Would you mind

fff) In no country are you allowed to trade with drugs.

Drugs are

ggg) I wish you had warned me about that.

You

hhh) No smoking is allowed in this area.

You

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English Teacher


iii) We don't have to do all the exercises.

We

jjj) You'd better arrive in time.

You

kkk) I'm absolutely sure she hasn't gone out with him.

She

lll) It would have been a good idea to apologize.

We

mmm) Perhaps I won't be at home this evening.

I

nnn) Come here before midnight.

You

ooo) You didn't stop at the traffic lights!

You

ppp) Perhaps they went home earlier.

They

qqq) Why did she take a bus? It's just a two minutes' walk.

She

rrr) I’ll sort it out. You don't have to bother.

I’ll sort it out. You

sss) Please let me have a look at your paper.

Can

ttt) Nobody is allowed to enter the AVE platform without a ticket.

You

uuu) I guess this teacher is rather boring. Hardly anybody attends her lessons.

This teacher

vvv) Do you want me to help you tidy up?

Would

www) Can you tell me about the course?

I would

xxx) I want a cup of coffee.

I would

yyy) He hates travelling.

He can't

zzz) My advice is to buy a computer.

You

a) I believe that there is a service station about 20 km from here.

There

b) You are obligated to stop at the stop sign.

You

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English Teacher


c) Travelling at more than 120 mph is prohibited.

You

d) It's a good idea for you to eat less meat and more vegetables.

You

e) I have to get up early tomorrow morning.

I

f) I know how to speak a little German.

I

g) When I was young I didn’t get permission to study what I wanted

When I was young I

h) You are prohibited from entering this building.

You

i) It's possible that Sonia knows the answer.

Sonia

j) People aren't able to speak a language without knowing the vocabulary.

People

k) My advice is that you buy the Ford.

You

l) I'm sure John locked the office before leaving. He always does .

John

m) If I were you I would tell him the truth.

You

n) It isn't necessary for her to phone me back.

She

o) Anne finished the project on her own although it wasn't necessary to do so

Anne

p) It’s a pity I sold the house

If only

q) Perhaps we'll go swimming tomorrow

We

r) I think Mary is probably at home because the windows are open

Mary

s) Perhaps John knew about the trip, but I'm not sure.

John

t) I'm sure he didn't lock the door. He never does.

He

u) Perhaps she was at work when the earthquake struck.

She

v) Perhaps we'll rent our house in summer.

We

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English Teacher


w) It's absolutely necessary that we finish the article today.

We

x) It wasn't necessary for him to behave like that.

He

y) You cannot smoke in the underground; it's forbidden.

You

z) It's quite possible that they went away last weekend.

They

aa) I'm sure Ann didn't send that letter.

Ann

bb) I didn’t accept his offer and now I regret it.

I

cc) It is essential that we talk before the meeting starts.

We

dd) I don't think Ann robbed the money. It's impossible.

Ann

ee) Why don't we go on a camping trip?

We

ff) Let's go to Diagonal Mar!

We

gg) Perhaps they told John about the party, but I'm not sure.

They

hh) It isn't necessary for us to book a table; I know one of the waiters .

We

ii) It's forbidden to drive without fastening your seatbelt

You

jj) It's impossible that they knew about the trip; nobody told them .

They

kk) If I were you I'd do some more exercises.

You

ll) Perhaps I go on holiday to Menorca-

I

mm) It was a mistake to take the car. If only I hadn't!

I

nn) I'm sure something is happening tonight. Look at those preparations!

Something

oo) It's compulsory for all students to attend lessons

Students

pp) It's possible that they move to Australia.

They

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English Teacher


qq) I'm sure Helen knows about the accident. She looks very unhappy.

Helen

rr) Perhaps he hired a van.

He

ss) You are not allowed to use the phone without permission.

You

tt) If I were you I wouldn't trust John.

You

uu) I'm sure she didn't take the key.

She

vv) Perhaps I start a new career.

I

ww) It was not necessary for you to tell Jan what really happened.

You

xx) I regret selling the house.

I

yy) It's compulsory for all visitors to show their ID card.

All visitors

zz) It won’t be necessary for them to write to the office again.

They

Alejandro

English Teacher


Extra) Rephrasing practice.

If you want my advice, get a good lawyer!

A university degree isn’t necessary for that job.

He can only leave work at ten o’clock tonight.

Perhaps my father will pick you up.

It isn’t necessary to make an appointment at the hairdresser’s.

Eating is forbidden in class.

The boss allows the workers to have one afternoon off a week.

Don’t take the CD without asking permission.

My car needs cleaning. I’ll take it tomorrow.

Do you want to go to St Moritz this winter?

She hasn’t phoned. Perhaps she is abroad.

Perhaps Mike will be too busy to see us.

I expect her to pass her driving test. She drives well.

I suggest you go and see a doctor.

It puzzles me why he hasn’t come to visit.

Do you want me to help you?

I want some coffee, please.

Can I use your pen?

This year I want to learn how to water-ski.

Do you want to eat out tonight?

Alejandro

English Teacher


We used to help each other when we were younger.

Shall I call the doctor for you?

Please say that again.

I'm sure John locked the office before leaving. He always does.

If I were you I would tell him the truth.

It isn't necessary for her to phone me back.

Ann finished the project on her own although it wasn't necessary to do so.

It was a mistake to sell the house. I wish I hadn't.

Perhaps we'll go swimming tomorrow.

I think Mary is probably at home because the windows are open.

Perhaps John knew about the trip, but I'm not sure.

I'm sure he didn't lock the door. He never does.

Perhaps she was at work when the earthquake struck.

Perhaps we'll rent our house in summer.

It's absolutely necessary that we finish the article today.

It wasn't necessary for him to behave like that.

You cannot smoke in the underground; it's forbidden.

It's quite possible that they went away last weekend.

I'm sure Ann didn't send that letter.

It was a mistake not to accept his offer. I wish I had.

It is essential that we talk before the meeting starts.

Alejandro

English Teacher


I don't think Ann robbed the money. It's impossible.

Why don't we go on a camping trip?

Let's go to Diagonal Mar!

Perhaps they told John about the party, but I'm not sure.

It isn't necessary for us to book a table; I know one of the waiters.

It's forbidden to drive without fastening your seatbelt.

It's impossible that they knew about the trip; nobody told them.

If I were you I'd do some more exercises.

It was a mistake to take the car. If only I hadn't!

I'm sure something is happening tonight. Look at those preparations!

It's compulsory for all students to attend lessons.

It's possible that they move to Australia.

I'm sure Helen knows about the accident. She looks very unhappy.

Perhaps he hired a car.

You are not allowed to use the phone without permission.

If I were you I wouldn't trust John.

I'm sure she didn't take the key.

It was not necessary for you to tell Jan what really happened.

I regret selling the house.

It's compulsory for all visitors to show their ID card.

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