Summary of Modal Functions
from Grammaryway 4 by V. Evans and J. Dooley, Express Publishing 1999
Exercise 4
Modal Verbs Summary
Quiz
Decide which answer A, B or C best fits each space.
- … I borrow your pen? Mine doesn't work.
- Needn't
- Can
- Ought
- I … go to the bank. I haven't got any money.
- must
- mustn't
- may
- Lizzie … spell her name before she was three.
- might
- could
- must
- … you help me with the shopping, please?
- Must
- Shall
- Will
- You … go to the post office. I’ll go later.
- needn't
- might
- must
- You … to study hard for your exams.
- need
- can't
- shall
- You … to be at work by nine o'clock.
- must
- should
- are
- No reporters … approach the scene of the accident.
- might have
- were allowed to
- needn't
- We … phone Mary. It's her birthday today.
- needn't
- ought to
- are able to
- What time … I pick you up from work?
- mustn't
- will
- shall
- “You … pay the bills today.” – “I know. I promise I won't forget.”
- would
- shall
- must
- “… we go to the beach tomorrow?” – “Yes, that’s a great idea.”
- Shall
- Mustn't
- Would
- “I’m going to the cinema. Do you want to come with me?” – “No, thank you. I … do my homework.”
- could
- would
- have to
- “You … put that shirt in the washing machine.” – “I know. It has to be dry-cleaned.”
- must
- mustn't
- couldn't
- “Was your suitcase very heavy?” – “Yes, but I … carry it by myself.”
- was able to
- can't
- ought
- “…you drive?” – “Yes, but I haven’t got my own car.”
- Might
- Should
- Can
- “… I help you, madam?” – “Yes. I’m looking for the manager.”
- Would
- Must
- May
- “Where’s Colin?” – “I’m not sure. He … be in the study.”
- might
- will
- ought
- “Ben had a hard time trying to find the leak in the pipe.” – “But he … stop it, wasn’t he?”
- was allowed to
- was able to
- could
- “I … ride a bicycle until I was eight.” – “Neither could I.”
- couldn't
- could
- can't
- “…you open the door for me, please?” – “Yes, certainly.”
- Shall
- Must
- Would
- “… you give me a lift to work tomorrow?” – “Yes, I’ll pick you up at eight o‘ clock.”
- May
- Shall
- Will
- “I saw Tina in town last night.” – “You … have seen her. She’s on holiday in Spain.”
- would
- could
- can‘t
- “I feel very tired today.” – “You … have stayed up so late last night.”
- shouldn‘t
- could
- might
- “Did you phone Alan yesterday?” – “No, I … He came round to see me.”
- didn't need to
- needn't
- have to
Used resources:
Doodley, J., Evans, V. 1999. Grammarway 4. Express Publishing
Elsworth, S., Walker, E. 2002. Grammar Pratice for Upper-Intermediate Students with key. Pearson Education Limited.
Doodley, J., Evans, V. 1999. Grammarway 4. Express Publishing
Elsworth, S., Walker, E. 2002. Grammar Pratice for Upper-Intermediate Students with key. Pearson Education Limited.