Can

"Can" is one of the most commonly used modal verbs in English. It can be used to express ability or opportunity, to
request or offer permission, and to show possibility or impossibility.
Examples:
I can ride a horse. ABILITY
We can stay with my brother when we are in Paris. OPPORTUNITY
She cannot stay out after 10 PM. PERMISSION
Can you hand me the stapler? REQUEST
Any child can grow up to be president. POSSIBILITY
Using "Can" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "can" behaves in
different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can also

use:

can

1. I can speak Chinese.

2. SHIFT TO "COULD"
I could speak Chinese when I was
a kid.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
I will be able to speak Chinese by
the time I finish my course.

1. I can't speak Swahili.

2. SHIFT TO "COULD"
I couldn't speak Swahili.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
I won't be able to speak Swahili.

be able to

1. With a burst of adrenaline,

people can pick up cars.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst of adrenaline,
he was able to lift the car off the
child's leg.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst of adrenaline,
he will be able to lift the car.

1. Even with a burst of adrenaline,

people can't pick up something that
heavy.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
Even the weight lifter, wasn't able
to lift the car off the child's leg.
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
Even three men working together
won't be able to lift the car.

be able to

1. I have some free time. I can help

her now.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
I had some free time yesterday. I
was able to help her at that time.
3. I'll have some free time
tomorrow. I can help her then.

1. I don't have any time. I can't help

her now.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
I didn't have time yesterday. I
wasn't able to help her at that time.
3. I won't have any time later. I
can't help her then.

be able to

1. I can drive Susan's car when she

is out of town.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO "
I was allowed to drive Susan's car
while she was out of town last
week.
3. I can drive Susan's car while she
is out of town next week.

1. I can't drive Susan's car when

she is out of town.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO "
I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's
car while she was out of town last
week.
3. I can't drive Susan's car while
she is out of town next week.

may

Can I have a glass of water?

Can you give me a lift to school?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE
NEAR FUTURE.

Can't I have a glass of water?

Can't you give me a lift to school?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE
NEAR FUTURE.

could, may

Anyone can become rich and

famous if they know the right
people.
Learning a language can be a real

It can't cost more than a dollar or

two.
You can't be 45! I thought you were
about 18 years old.

could

GENERAL ABILITY

can
ABILITY DURING A
SPECIFIC EVENT

can
OPPORTUNITY

can
PERMISSION

can
REQUEST

can
POSSIBILITY,
IMPOSSIBILITY

challenge.
THIS USE IS USUALLY A

THIS USE IS USUALLY A

GENERALIZATION OR A SUPPOSITION.

GENERALIZATION OR A SUPPOSITION.

Could
"Could" is used to express possibility or past ability as well as to make suggestions and requests. "Could" is also
commonly used in conditional sentences as the conditional form of "can."
Examples:
Extreme rain could cause the river to flood the city. POSSIBILITY
Nancy could ski like a pro by the age of 11. PAST ABILITY
You could see a movie or go out to dinner. SUGGESTION
Could I use your computer to email my boss? REQUEST
We could go on the trip if I didn't have to work this weekend. CONDITIONAL
Using "Could" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "could" behaves
in different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can
also use:

could

1. John could be the one who stole the

money.
2. John could have been the one who
stole the money.
3. John could go to jail for stealing the
money.

1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the

money.
2. Mary couldn't have been the one who
stole the money.
3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the
crime.

might,
may

1. If I had more time, I could travel

around the world.
2. If I had had more time, I could have
traveled around the world.
3. If I had more time this winter, I could
travel around the world.

1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel

around the world.
2. Even if I had had more time, I couldn't
have traveled around the world.
3. Even if I had more time this winter, I
couldn't travel around the world.

1. NO PRESENT FORM
2. You could have spent your vacation in
Hawaii.
3. You could spend your vacation in
Hawaii.

NO NEGATIVE FORMS

I could run ten miles in my twenties.

I could speak Chinese when I was a kid.
"COULD" CANNOT BE USED IN POSITIVE

I couldn't run more than a mile in my

twenties.
I couldn't speak Swahili.
"COULD" CAN BE USED IN NEGATIVE

POSSIBILITY

could
CONDITIONAL
OF CAN

could
SUGGESTION

could
PAST ABILITY

SENTENCES IN WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A

MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY.

Yesterday, I could lift the couch by

myself. Not Correct

could
POLITE
REQUEST

Could I have something to drink?

Could I borrow your stapler?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.

be able
to

SENTENCES IN WHICH YOU DESCRIBE A

MOMENTARY OR ONE-TIME ABILITY.

Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by

myself. Correct
Couldn't he come with us?
Couldn't you help me with this for just a
second?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.

can,
may,
might

REMEMBER: "Could not" vs. "Might not"

"Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something to happen. "Might not" suggests you do not know if something
happens.

Examples:
Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.

Have To
"Have to" is used to express certainty, necessity, and obligation.
Examples:
This answer has to be correct. CERTAINTY
The soup has to be stirred continuously to prevent burning. NECESSITY
They have to leave early. OBLIGATION
Using "Have to" in Present, Past, and Future
"Have to" behaves quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "have to" behaves in
different contexts.
Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You
can
also
use:

have to

1. That has to be Jerry. They said he was

tall with bright red hair.
2. That has to have been the right
restaurant. There were no other
restaurants on the street.
3. NONE

1. SHIFT TO "MUST"
That must not be Jerry. They said he has blond
hair, not red hair.
2. SHIFT TO "MUST"
That must not have been the right restaurant. I
guess there was another one around there
somewhere.
3. NONE

must,
have
got to

1. She has to read four books for this

literature class.
2. She had to finish the first book before
the midterm.
3. She will have to finish the other books
before the final exam.

1. She doesn't have to read "Grapes of Wrath."

It's optional reading for extra credit.
2. She didn't have to write a critique of "The
Scarlet Letter." She had to give a presentation
to her class.
3. She won't have to take any other literature
classes. American Literature 101 is the only
required course.

must

CERTAINT
Y

have to
NECESSIT
Y

REMEMBER: "Do not have to" vs. "Must not"

"Do not have to" suggests that someone is not required to do something. "Must not" suggests that you are prohibited
from doing something.
Examples:
You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.

Must
"Must" is most commonly used to express certainty. It can also be used to express necessity or strong recommendation,
although native speakers prefer the more flexible form "have to." "Must not" can be used to prohibit actions, but this
sounds very severe; speakers prefer to use softer modal verbs such as "should not" or "ought not" to dissuade rather than
prohibit.
Examples:
This must be the right address! CERTAINTY
Students must pass an entrance examination to study at this school. NECESSITY
You must take some medicine for that cough. STRONG RECOMMENDATION
Jenny, you must not play in the street! PROHIBITION
Using "Must" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "must" behaves
in different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can
also use:

must

1. That must be Jerry. They said he

was tall with bright red hair.
2. That must have been the right
restaurant. There are no other
restaurants on this street.
3. NO FUTURE FORM

1. That must not be Jerry. He is supposed

to have red hair.
2. That must not have been the right
restaurant. I guess there is another one
around here somewhere.
3. NO FUTURE FORM

have to

CERTAINTY

must not

You must not swim in that river. It's full of

crocodiles.
You must not forget to take your malaria
medication while your are in the tropics.
PROHIBITION USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.

PROHIBITION

must
STRONG
RECOMMENDATIO
N

(Americans
prefer
the form
"should.")
must
NECESSITY

(Americans
prefer
the form
"have to.")

1. You must take some time off and

get some rest.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You should have taken some time off
last week to get some rest.
3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You should take some time off next
week to get some rest.

1. You mustn't drink so much. It's not good

for your health.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You shouldn't have drunk so much. That
caused the accident.
3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You shouldn't drink at the party. You are
going to be the designated driver.

should

1. You must have a permit to enter

the national park.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
We had to have a permit to enter the
park.
3. We must get a permit to enter the
park next week.

1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"

We don't have to get a permit to enter the
national park.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
We didn't have to get a permit to enter the
national park.
3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
We won't have to get a permit to enter the
national park.

have to

REMEMBER: "Must not" vs. "Do not have to"

"Must not" suggests that you are prohibited from doing something. "Do not have to" suggests that someone is not
required to do something.
Examples:
You must not eat that. IT IS FORBIDDEN, IT IS NOT ALLOWED.
You don't have to eat that. YOU CAN IF YOU WANT TO, BUT IT IS NOT NECESSARY.

Might
"Might" is most commonly used to express possibility. It is also often used in conditional sentences. English speakers can
also use "might" to make suggestions or requests, although this is less common in American English.
Examples:
Your purse might be in the living room. POSSIBILITY
If I didn't have to work, I might go with you. CONDITIONAL
You might visit the botanical gardens during your visit. SUGGESTION
Might I borrow your pen? REQUEST
Using "Might" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "might" behaves
in different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can
also use:

might

1. She might be on the bus. I think her car is

having problems.
2. She might have taken the bus. I'm not
sure how she got to work.
3. She might take the bus to get home. I
don't think Bill will be able to give her a ride.

1. She might not be on the bus. She

might be walking home.
2. She might not have taken the
bus. She might have walked home.
3. She might not take the bus. She
might get a ride from Bill.

could,
may

1. If I entered the contest, I might actually

win.
2. If I had entered the contest, I might
actually have won.
3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I might
actually win. Unfortunately, I can't enter it.

1. Even if I entered the contest, I

might not win.
2. Even if I had entered the contest,
I might not have won.
3. Even if I entered the contest
tomorrow, I might not win.

1. NO PRESENT FORM
2. You might have tried the cheese cake.
3. You might try the cheesecake.

1. NO PRESENT FORM
2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON
3. You might not want to eat the
cheese cake. It's very calorific.

could

Might I have something to drink?

Might I borrow the stapler?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.

NEGATIVE FORMS UNCOMMON

could,
may,
can

POSSIBILITY

might
CONDITIONAL
OF MAY

might
SUGGESTION

might
REQUEST

(British form)

REMEMBER: "Might not" vs. "Could not"

"Might not" suggests you do not know if something happens. "Could not" suggests that it is impossible for something
to happen.
Examples:
Jack might not have the key. MAYBE HE DOES NOT HAVE THE KEY.
Jack could not have the key. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE THAT HE HAS THE KEY.

Should
"Should" is most commonly used to make recommendations or give advice. It can also be used to express obligation as
well as expectation.
Examples:
When you go to Berlin, you should visit the palaces in Potsdam. RECOMMENDATION
You should focus more on your family and less on work. ADVICE
I really should be in the office by 7:00 AM. OBLIGATION
By now, they should already be in Dubai. EXPECTATION
Using "Should" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "should" behaves
in different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. =
Future

You can
also use:

should

1. People with high cholesterol should eat lowfat foods.

2. Frank should have eaten low-fat foods. That
might have prevented his heart attack.
3. You really should start eating better.

1. Sarah shouldn't smoke so

much. It's not good for her
health.
2. Sarah shouldn't have
smoked so much. That's
what caused her health
problems.
3. Sarah shouldn't smoke
when she visits Martha next
week. Martha hates when
people smoke in her house.

ought to

I should be at work before 9:00.

We should return the video before the video
rental store closes.
"SHOULD" CAN ALSO EXPRESS SOMETHING
BETWEEN RECOMMENDATION AND OBLIGATION. "BE
SUPPOSED TO" EXPRESSES A SIMILAR IDEA AND

NO NEGATIVE FORMS

be
supposed
to

1. Susan shouldn't be in
New York yet.
2. Susan shouldn't have
arrived in New York until
yesterday.
3. Susan shouldn't arrive in
New York until next week.

ought to,
be
supposed
to

RECOMMENDATION,
ADVISABILITY

should
OBLIGATION

CAN EASILY BE USED IN THE PAST OR IN NEGATIVE

FORMS.

should
EXPECTATION

1. Susan should be in New York by now.

2. Susan should have arrived in New York last
week. Let's call her and see what she is up to.
3. Susan should be in New York by next week.
Her new job starts on Monday.

Ought To
"Ought to" is used to advise or make recommendations. "Ought to" also expresses assumption or expectation as well as
strong probability, often with the idea that something is deserved. "Ought not" (without "to") is used to advise against
doing something, although Americans prefer the less formal forms "should not" or "had better not."
Examples:
You ought to stop smoking. RECOMMENDATION
Jim ought to get the promotion. IT IS EXPECTED BECAUSE HE DESERVES IT.
This stock ought to increase in value. PROBABILITY
Mark ought not drink so much. ADVICE AGAINST SOMETHING (NOTICE THERE IS NO "TO")
Using "Ought to" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "ought to"
behaves in different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You
can
also
use:

ought to

1. Margaret ought to exercise

more.
2. Margaret ought to have
exercised more so she would be
better prepared for the marathon.
3. Margaret ought to come to the
fitness center with us tonight.

1. Margaret ought not exercise too much.

It might cause injury.
2. Margaret ought not have run the
marathon. She wasn't in good shape.
3. Margaret ought not stay at home in
front of the TV. She should go to the
fitness center with us.

should

1. She ought to have the package

by now.
2. She ought to have received the
package yesterday.
3. She ought to receive the
package tonight.

"OUGHT NOT" IS USED PRIMARILY TO

should

RECOMMENDATION,
ADVICE

ought to
ASSUMPTION,
EXPECTATION,
PROBABILITY

EXPRESS NEGATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS.

(SEE ABOVE.)

Notice "Ought not"

Remember that "ought to" loses the "to" in the negative. Instead of "ought not to," we say "ought not." "Ought not" is
more commonly used in British English. Americans prefer "should not."
Examples:
You ought not smoke so much.
She ought not take such risks while skiing.
They ought not carry so much cash while traveling.

Have Got To
"Have got to" is used to express necessity and obligation.
Examples:
Drivers have got to get a license to drive a car in the US. NECESSITY
I have got to be at work by 8:30 AM. OBLIGATION
Using "Have Got to" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "have got to"
behaves in different contexts.
Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can
also
use:

have got to

1. People have got to be on time if

they want to get a seat in the
crowded theater.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You had to be on time if you
wanted to get a seat in the
crowded theater.
3. You have got to be there on time
tonight if you want to get a seat in
the crowded theater.

1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"

People don't have to be there on time to get a
seat.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You didn't have to be there on time to get a seat.
3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
You won't have to be there on time to get a seat.

have to,
must

Haven't you got to be there by 7:00?

Haven't you got to finish that project today?
"HAVEN'T GOT TO" IS PRIMARILY USED TO ASK
ABOUT FUTURE OBLIGATIONS. IT CAN BE USED IN
STATEMENTS, BUT THIS IS LESS COMMON.

Don't
you
have to

NECESSITY

haven't got
to
FUTURE
OBLIGATION

Had Better
"Had better" is most commonly used to make recommendations. It can also be used to express desperate hope as well
as warn people.
Examples:
You had better take your umbrella with you today. RECOMMENDATION
That bus had better get here soon! DESPERATE HOPE
You had better watch the way you talk to me in the future! WARNING
Using "Had Better" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "had better"
behaves in different contexts.
Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You can
also use:

had better

1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT

TO"
People should unplug toasters before
they clean them.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR
"OUGHT TO HAVE"
You should have unplugged the
toaster before you tried to clean it.
3. You had better unplug the toaster
before you try to clean it.

1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT

TO"
People shouldn't clean toasters
without unplugging them first.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR
"OUGHT TO HAVE"
You shouldn't have cleaned the toaster
without unplugging it first.
3. You had better not clean the toaster
until you unplug it.

should,
ought to

The movie had better end soon.

They had better be here before we
start dinner.
DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS

They had better not be late.

They had better not forget Tom's
birthday gift.
DESPERATE HOPES AND WARNINGS

USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.

USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR FUTURE.

RECOMMENDATIO
N

had better
DESPERATE
HOPE,
WARNING

"Had better" is often simply pronounced as "better" in spoken English.

May
"May" is most commonly used to express possibility. It can also be used to give or request permission, although this
usage is becoming less common.
Examples:
Cheryl may be at home, or perhaps at work. POSSIBILITY
Johnny, you may leave the table when you have finished your dinner. GIVE PERMISSION
May I use your bathroom? REQUEST PERMISSION
Using "May" in Present, Past, and Future
Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "may" behaves in
different contexts.
Modal Use

Positive Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

Negative Forms
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

You
can
also
use:

may

1. Jack may be upset. I can't really tell if

he is annoyed or tired.
2. Jack may have been upset. I couldn't
really tell if he was annoyed or tired.
3. Jack may get upset if you don't tell him
the truth.

1. Jack may not be upset. Perhaps he is

tired.
2. Jack may not have been upset. Perhaps
he was tired.
3. Jack may not get upset, even if you tell
him the truth

might

1. You may leave the table now that

you're finished with your dinner.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"
You were allowed to leave the table after
you finished your dinner.
3. You may leave the table when you
finish your dinner.

1. You may not leave the table. You're not

finished with your dinner yet.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"
You were not allowed to leave the table
because you hadn't finished your dinner.
3. You may not leave the table until you are
finished with your dinner.

can

May I borrow your eraser?

May I make a phone call?
REQUESTS USUALLY REFER TO THE NEAR
FUTURE.

NO NEGATIVE FORMS

can,
might

POSSIBILITY

may
GIVE
PERMISSION

may
REQUEST
PERMISSION

Shall
"Shall" is used to indicate future action. It is most commonly used in sentences with "I" or "we," and is often found in
suggestions, such as "Shall we go?" "Shall" is also frequently used in promises or voluntary actions. In formal English, the
use of "shall" to describe future events often expresses inevitability or predestination. "Shall" is much more commonly
heard in British English than in American English; Americans prefer to use other forms, although they do sometimes use
"shall" in suggestions or formalized language.
Examples:
Shall I help you? SUGGESTION
I shall never forget where I came from. PROMISE
He shall become our next king. PREDESTINATION
I'm afraid Mr. Smith shall become our new director. INEVITABILITY
More Examples of "Shall"
Modal Use

Positive Forms

Negative Forms

You
can
also
use:

shall

I shall be replaced by someone from the New

York office.
I shall be there by 8:00.

I shall not be replaced after all.

I shall not be there. I have a previous
obligation.

will

FUTURE
ACTION

(British form)
shall
SUGGESTIONS

shall
VOLUNTEERIN
G,
PROMISING

Shall we begin dinner?

Shall we move into the living room?

should

I shall take care of everything for you.

I shall make the travel arrangements. There's
no need to worry.

I shall never forget you.

I shall never give up the fight for
freedom.

Man shall explore the distant regions of the

universe.
We shall overcome oppression.

Man shall never give up the exploration

of the universe.
He shall not be held back.

(British form)
shall
INEVITABILITY

(British form)

will

Modal Verbs Exercise 1

Gap-fill Exercise
Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers.
Don't forget to capitalize when necessary. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer.
can could have to must might should
1. 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.

2. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you

walk downtown and explore the

waterfront.
3. Hiking the trail to the peak
You

be dangerous if you are not well prepared for dramatic weather changes.

research the route a little more before you attempt the ascent.

4. When you have a small child in the house, you

objects

leave small objects lying around. Such

be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

5. Dave:

you hold your breath for more than a minute?

Nathan: No, I can't.

6. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It

have cost a fortune.

7. Please make sure to water my plants while I am gone. If they don't get enough water, they

8. I

die.

speak Arabic fluently when I was a child and we lived in Egypt. But after we moved back to Canada, I

had very little exposure to the language and forgot almost everything I knew as a child. Now, I

just say a

few things in the language.

9. 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.

10. Leo: Where is the spatula? It

be in this drawer but it's not here.

Nancy: I just did a load of dishes last night and they're still in the dish washer. It
other place it

11. You
here and it

be in there. That's the only

be.

take your umbrella along with you today. The weatherman on the news said there's a storm north of
rain later on this afternoon.

12.
I

we pull over at the next rest stop? I really

hold it until we get to Chicago.

13. Oh no! Frank's wallet is lying on the coffee table. He

14. Ned:

have left it here last night.

I borrow your lighter for a minute?

Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you

15. I

use the bathroom and I don't know if

keep it if you want to. I've given up smoking.

believe she said that to Megan! She

last night. She

insult her cooking in front of everyone at the party

have just said she was full or had some salad if she didn't like the meal.

16. Do you

chew with your mouth open like that? Geez, it's making me sick watching you eat that piece of

pizza.
17. Mrs. Scarlett's body was found in the lounge just moments ago, and it's still warm! Nobody has left the mansion this
evening, so the killer
be someone in this room. It
be any one of us!!!

18. Ted: I don't know why Denise starting crying when I mentioned the wedding.
Pamela: It
have been what you said about her brother. Or, perhaps she is just nervous. After all, the big day
is tomorrow.
19.

you always say the first thing that pops into your head?

you think once in awhile before

you speak?
20. I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this room. It
here somewhere. Where

1. I

2. You

it be? be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

must have to
be at the meeting by 10:00. I will probably

take a taxi if I want to be on time.

submit the application if it has not been completely filled out. Check that the name, address, and

background information are correct. If the form is not accurate and complete, you will be rejected and you
will
reapply at a later date.

3. Tina: Look at these flowers - they're beautiful! But, there's no card. Who could have sent them?
Stephanie: It
have been David. He's the only one who would send you flowers.

4. You

be lying around

forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The landlord is very strict about paying on time.

5. You

be so rude! Why don't you try saying "please" once in a while.

6. If you are over 18 in California, you

take a driver training course to get a driver's license. You can have a

friend or a family member teach you instead. But remember, you

still get your permit before you start

practicing.
7. You

be rich to be a success. Some of the most successful people I know haven't got a penny to their

name.
8. Ed: My car broke down in Death Valley last week. I
nearest mechanic.
Lilly: That

have it towed more than a hundred miles to the

have cost a fortune!

9. While hiking in Alaska, you

keep an eye out for bears. If you see one, you

They are beautiful animals; however, they are wild and unpredictable in nature. You

approach it.
be afraid of them, but

educating yourself about the dangers can help keep you safe.
10. I
I

11. Yesterday, I

go to work tomorrow because it is Memorial Day. The best thing about a day off from work is that
get up at 6:00; I can sleep in till noon if I want to.

cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep until after midnight.

12. Nate: Oh no! I completely forgot we were supposed to pick Jenny up at the airport.
Barbara: She
still be sitting there waiting for us.

13. Ingrid received a scholarship to Yale University which will cover 100% of the tuition. She

worry at all

about the increasing cost of education.

14. When I was a child my grandmother was continually correcting our manners. She always used to say,
"One
eat with one's mouth open." Or, she would correct us by saying, "One
rest one's elbows
on the table." And every time I wanted to leave the table, she would say, "One

ask to be excused."

15. I've redone this math problem at least twenty times, but my answer is wrong according to the answer key. The answer
in the book
be wrong!

Multiple Choice Exercise

Choose the correct answer for each gap below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers.
1. I'm not really sure where Beverly is. She might be sitting/might have sat/might sit in the living room, or perhaps she's in
the backyard.
2. Doug must return/must have returned/must not have returned the video we rented on his way to work. It was on the
table, but now it's gone.
3. You ought to be checking/ought to checked/ought to check the air pressure in your tires. You don't want to get a flat tire
on your trip.

4. The computer isn't working. It can be damaged/must have been damaged/should have been damaged during
production.
5. The package should be delivered/should be delivering/should have been delivered tomorrow afternoon. It was sent by
express mail this morning.
6. You has to book/have to be booked/have to book the tickets for the play in advance - they sell out quickly.
7. You can't mean that! You have to have joked/must joke/have got to be joking!
8. If Debbie hasn't come home yet, she must still have waited/must still be waiting/must still wait for us in the coffee shop.
9. Mike decided not to join us for lunch. He should have stayed/should have been staying/had to stay at work to finish the
marketing report.
10. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I would have lain/would lie/would be lying on a white sand beach right now.
11. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I would not have had to/would have had to/would not must come to work this
week.
12. If I had gone with my friends to Jamaica, I might be taken/ought to be taken/could have taken scuba diving lessons.
13. Margaret agreed to meet us at the entrance to the theater. She ought to have waited/ought to be waiting/ought to wait
for us when we get there.
14. It should have been/might have been/ought to be Sam who called and didn't leave a message on the answering
machine. He said he wanted to get together with us this weekend.
15. The machine can be turned/can be turning/can turn on by flipping this switch.
16. She has to be crying/might have been crying/could be crying . That could have been why her eyes were so red and
swollen.
17. If she was crying, she shall be/must have been/would have been very upset.
18. That painting might not have been painted/might not paint/might be painting by Picasso. It could be a forgery.
19. Your diving equipment must be cleaned/must have been cleaned/must have been being cleaned regularly if you want
to keep it in good condition.
20. If I hadn't taken a taxi, I ought to be have been waiting/might have been waiting/had to have waited for you at the train
station for hours.
Multiple Choice Exercise
Choose the correct answer for each gap below, then click the "Check" button to check your answers.
1. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He had better/can/must be exhausted after such a long flight.
2. The book is optional. My professor said we could read it if we needed extra credit. But we dont have to/cannot/must
not read it if we don't want to.
3. Susan couldnt/cant/might not hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.
4. The television isn't working. It must have been/must be/must damaged during the move.
5. Kate: Are you able to/Can you/Might you hold your breath for more than a minute?
Jack: No, I can't.
6. You shouldnt/cant/dont have to be rich to be a success. Some of the most successful people I know haven't got a
penny to their name.
7. I've redone this math problem at least twenty times, but my answer is wrong according to the answer key. The answer
in the book must/have to/should be wrong!
8. You couldnt/wont be able to/cant do the job if you didn't speak Japanese fluently.
9. You cant/shouldnt/dont have to worry so much. It doesn't do you any good. Either you get the job, or you don't. If you
don't, just apply for another one. Eventually, you will find work.
10. You should/have to/ought to be kidding! That can't be true.
11. You might/may/would leave the table once you have finished your meal and politely excused yourself.
12. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It must cost/must have cost/must be costing a fortune.
13. Will/shall/must we move into the living room? It's more comfortable in there and there's a beautiful view of the lake.
14. If I had gone white water rafting with my friends, I would float/would have floated/would be floating down the Colorado
River right now.

15. At first, my boss didn't want to hire Sam. But, because I had previously worked with Sam, I told my boss that he ought
to/has to/must take another look at his resume and reconsider him for the position.
16. You had better/can/has to take along some cash. The restaurant may not accept credit cards.
17. The machine can be turned/could be turning/may turn on by flipping this switch.
18. I can't stand these people - I might/have got to/had better get out of here. I'm going to take off for awhile while you get
rid of them.
19. You dont have to/mustnt/couldnt forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The landlord is very strict about paying on time.
20. Do you always have to say the first thing that pops into your head. Can not/cant/Dont can you think once in a while
before you speak?
21. Terry and Frank said they would come over right after work, so they have to/should/can be here by 6:00.
22. Yesterday, I should/had to/must cram all day for my French final. I didn't get to sleep until after midnight.
23. We might/would/shall no longer suffer the injustice of oppression! Freedom shall be ours!
24. If I had gone to the University of Miami, I could/could have/could be participated in their Spanish immersion program.
25. The lamp must not/could not/might not be broken. Maybe the light bulb just burned out.

Modal Verbs
A-Choose the suitable modal verb.
1-I have no time. I should/may/must leave now or I would/will/shall miss the bus.
2-I wish I could/would/can buy a new mobile phone but I don't have enough money.
3-She looks tired; she shouldnt/should/might take some days off.
4-Judy is not at home. She might/could/will have gone to Madrid, I don't know.
5-Tom can/could/must play tennis quite well. I usually play with him every weekend.
6- Should/may/might we go out tonight, please? Yes, but you wont/couldnt/mustnt be late.
7-I haven't decided yet where I will/wont/would go in my next holidays. I think I must/can/might
go to Paris.
8- Should/could/might you water my plants while I am away? If they don't get enough water they
will/wont/cant certainly die.
B-Insert a suitable modal verb.
1-Jack

2-

come to our wedding, but we aren't sure.

I buy the tickets for the concert? I

3-We

pay the fees at the fixed time.

4-You

clean your room more often.

5-If it rains on Saturday, we

6-

you speak German? No, I

see you're too busy.

go to the beach.

7-Jane

not play the violin when she was five, but now she

8-You

not be so nervous. I think it

be very easy.

play it very well.

Modal Verbs
A-Choose the suitable modal verb.
1-I have no time. I should/may/must leave now or I would/will/shall miss the bus.
2-I wish I could/would/can buy a new mobile phone but I don't have enough money.
3-She looks tired; she shouldnt/should/might take some days off.
4-Judy is not at home. She might/could/will have gone to Madrid, I don't know.
5-Tom can/could/must play tennis quite well. I usually play with him every weekend.
6- Should/may/might we go out tonight, please? Yes, but you wont/couldnt/mustnt be late.
7-I haven't decided yet where I will/wont/would go in my next holidays. I think I must/can/might
go to Paris.
8- Should/could/might you water my plants while I am away? If they don't get enough water
they will/wont/cant certainly die.
1-Jack may come to our wedding, but we aren't sure.
2- Shall I buy the tickets for the concert? I can see you're too busy.
3-We must pay the fees at the fixed time.
4-You should clean your room more often.
5-If it rains on Saturday, we wont go to the beach.
6- Can you speak German? No, I cant.
7-Jane could not play the violin when she was five, but now she can play it very well.
8-You should not be so nervous. I think it will be very easy.