FUNCTIONS OF MODAL VERBS

1.

Expressing ability

a) Terry is twenty years old. He can drive a car.(present)

b) When he was ten, he could /was able to ride a
bicycle. (past repeated action)
c) Paula was able to climb to the top of the mountain.
(managed to do; past single action)
2.

Expressing lack of ability

a) Sue cant dance. (present)

b) He couldnt /wasnt able to play chess when he was
younger. (past repeated action)
c) She couldnt/ wasnt able to finish the book. (past
single action)
3.

Expressing obligation /duty/ necessity

a)

You must attend the meeting. (You are obliged to/

You have to/ You need to/ it is necessary)
b) I must attend the meeting. (I have decided)
c) I have to attend the meeting. ( Someone else has
decided)
d) We ought to /should respect the elderly. (less strong
than must)
e) Need I buy her a present? (Is it necessary?)
4.

Expressing absence of necessity

a)

She doesnt need to/ doesnt have to/ neednt do the

shopping. Ill do it later. (It isnt necessary)
b) She didnt need to/ didnt have to do the shopping
as I had already done it. (It wasnt necessary for her
to do it.)
c) She neednt have done the shopping. (It wasnt
necessary for her to do the shopping, but she did).
5.
a)

Expressing prohibition

You mustnt/ cant be late for work. (Its forbidden/

you arent allowed to/ its against the rules/law)
6.

Expressing certainty

a) He must be at home. (positive; Im sure he is)

b) He cant be sleeping. (negative; Im sure he isnt.)
7.
a)

Expressing probability

He ought to/should be in now. (He is probably in.)

8.

Expressing possibility

a) It can get very hot in July. (it is theoretically possible)

b) We could/ may/ might be a little late. (it is possible)
c) He could/ might have been injured. (but he wasnt)

9.

Asking for permission

a) Can I ask you a question, please? (informal)

b) Could I ask you a question. Please? (more polite)
c) May/ Might I ask you a question, please? (formal)

10. Giving/ Refusing permission

a) You can park your car here. (informal)
b) You may park your car in this area. (formal- usually
written)
c)You cant /mustnt use this phone. (informal)
d) You may not use this phone. (formal-usually written)
11. Talking about permission
a) All students can/ are allowed to use the library.
(regulation)
b) I could/ was allowed to go out alone when I was 18.
( general permission)
c) I was allowed to go out alone last night. (permission for
one particular action)

12. Making requests

a) Can/ Will you explain this to me? (informal)
b) Could /Would you explain this to me? ( more polite)
c) Can I have some water? (informal)
d) Could/ May I have some water? (formal)
e) Might I have some water? (very formal)

13. Making offers

a) Ill help you with your essay. (Im willing to help you)
b) Shall/ Can/ Could I carry this bag for you? (Would you
like me to/ Do you want me to do it?)
14. Giving advice
a) You ought to/ should study harder. (I advise you to)
b) You must study harder. (I strongly advise you to)
15. Expressing criticism
a) You ought to/ should have been more careful. (It
would have been better if you had been more careful)
16. Making suggestions
a) Shall we visit Grandma
this weekend?
b)We can/could go to a
concert tonight.

Why dont we?

How about?
What about?
Lets

c)Where shall we go? (What is your suggestion?)

Modals Test 1 Choose the correct word.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

A: I found a briefcase on the train. B: You ought to /can take it to the police station as soon as possible.
A: Did you get some money from the bank? B: No, I didnt need to / neednt. I had enough in my wallet.
A: Sorry Im late again. B: You should/ might wear a watch.
A: Couldnt / May I speak to Clair, please? B: Just a moment, please. Ill call her.
A: We could / must go out for a meal this evening, if you like. B: Oh, yes. That would be nice.
A: I wonder if Pete and Jim have got lost. B: They cant/mustnt have got lost because I gave them a map.
A: Could/ Would I use your telephone, please? B: Yes, of course.
A: Was the exam very difficult? B: Yes, but I can/ was able to answer all the questions.
A: We mustnt/ neednt go shopping this week. Weve got plenty of food. B: Alright. Well go next week instead.
A: Should/ May I sit down, please? B: Yes, of course. Make yourself at home.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Modals Test 2 Choose the correct word.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

A: When will/ shall I visit you next? B: You can/ must call in tomorrow, if you like.
A: Helen should be here by now. B: She ought to / could have missed the train.
A: Could I sleep at my friends house tonight? B: Yes, of course you could/ can.
A: I could/ was allowed to go to the disco last night. B: Was it good fun?
A: Can / Might I have a biscuit please, Mum? B: Of course. Help yourself.
A: Excuse me, sir. May I / Am I allowed to leave the room? B: Yes, but dont be too long.
A: Must / Might I borrow these files for a moment, sir? B: Certainly. Take whatever you need.
A: Might I use your pen? B: Of course you may/ might.
A: May I / Am I allowed to park in the company car park? B: Of course you are!
A: Is Jason at work today? B: He cant / may not be. His car isnt in the car park.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Modals Test 3. Choose the correct word.

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)

I borrow your pen? Mine doesnt work. (Neednt/ Can/ Ought)

I ...go to the bank. I havent got any money. (must/ mustnt/ may)
Liz ..spell her name before she was three. (might/ could/ must)
..you help me with the shopping , please? (Must/ Shall/ Will)
Yougo to the post office. Ill go later. (neednt/ might/ must)
You..to study hard for your exams. (need/ cant/ shall)
You..to be at work by 9 oclock. (must/ should/ are)
No reporters ..approach the scene of the accident. (might have/ were allowed to / neednt)
We.phone Mary. Its her birthday today. (neednt/ ought to/ are able to)
What time.I pick you up from work? (mustnt /will/ shall)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Modals Test 4. Choose the correct word.

1) A: Youpay the bills today. B: I know. I promise I wont forget. ( would/ shall/ must)
2) A: .we go to the beach tomorrow? B: Yes. Thats a great idea. (Shall/ Mustnt /Would)
3) A: Im going to the cinema. Do you want to come with me? B: No, thank you. Ido my homework.(could/ would/
have to)
4) A: You..put that shirt in the washing machine. B: I know. It has to be dry-cleaned. (must/ mustnt/couldnt)
5) A: Was your suitcase very heavy? B: Yes, but Icarry it by myself. (was able to/ cant/ ought)
6) A:..you drive? B: Yes, but I havent got my own car. (Might/ Should/ Can)
7) A: I..ride a bicycle until I was eight. B: Neither could I. (couldnt/ could/ cant)
8) A: ..you open the door for me, please? B: Yes, certainly. ( Shall/ Must/ Would)
9) A: Ben had a hard time trying to find the leak in the pipe. B: But he ..stop it, wasnt he? ( was allowed to/ was
able to/ could)
10) A: I saw Tina in town last night. B: You ..have seen her. Shes on holiday in Spain. (would/ could/ cant)

Modals Test 5.
I. Match the items in column A to their synonyms in column B
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)
II.
13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)

A
You mustnt.
You cant be.
You neednt.
They ought to
She didnt need to.
You should..
May I..?
We neednt have.
He was able to..
Shall we.?
You must.
They must be

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)

B
You are supposed to
It wasnt necessary for us to(but we did)
Lets
He managed to..
They had better..
It is forbidden..
Im sure they are.
Do you mind if I?
You are to
It isnt necessary for you to
Im certain you arent
It wasnt necessary for her to..

Correct the mistakes.

Could you help me lift this box? Of course I could.
I could go to Emmas party last Saturday.
Need I to book a table in advance?
May these flowers be from your fianc?
Although she was exhausted, she could finish the race.
You should to brush your teeth twice a day.
I must have my car repaired last month.
The bus can be late today because there is a lot of traffic,

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Modals Test 6.
I. Complete the sentences, using modals.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
12)

You go to the cinema. (giving permission)

You ..have any sweets. (refusing permission)
..we go for a walk? (making a suggestion)
..I stay at Pauls house tonight, please? ( asking for permission)
You..have worked harder. (expressing criticism)
You .talk in the library. (expressing prohibition)
Sallyinvite us to her party. (expressing possibility)
They.be lost. (expressing a positive logical assumption)
You.do your homework before you go out. (expressing obligation)
She .be older than me. (expressing a negative logical assumption)
Steve walk . Hes broken his leg. (expressing lack of ability)
.I paint the fence for you? (making an offer)

II. Cross out the unnecessary word.

13)
14)
15)
16)
17)
18)
19)
20)

Paul was been able to change the flat tyre by himself.

She neednt to have bought such an expensive dress.
The Prime Minister is to will give a speech at the conference tomorrow.
Jenny is likely that to look for another job.
That cant to have been Paul. Hes on holiday in Jamaica.
Would you mind if my staying here for a couple of days?
They might have been forgotten about our meeting.
Jack has had to see the General Manager yesterday.

Modals of Speculation ( )
()
MUST
()

,
...
MAY ()

MIGHT COULD
( )



CAN'T COULDN'T
( ,
)

,
CAN..?
COULD.?
.?
?

Obviously
Definitely
Evidently/ Likely
Probably
I'm sure./ I'm
certain

Must write
Must be sleeping
Must be punished

Must have lost

Must have been dreaming
Must have been brought

Is /are likely to
Unlikely to
* He is likely to buy a car.
( )

It's possible
Perhaps
May be
Uncertain
I strongly doubt it
Hardly possible

May live
May be reading
May be asked
Could know
Might/ could like

May have written

May have been speaking
Could have been broken

= present
*
She
may
come
soon
(, )

I can't believe
It's impossible
I'm sure that not...
I don't believe
that
It can't be that
Do you believe
that?
Is it possible
that?

Can't believe
Can't be working
Can't be listening
Couldn't be shown

Can't have lost

Can't have been looking
for
Couldn't
have
been
reading

= present
* He can't forget about it. (
,
)

Could I love?
Could
I
be
laughing?

Can I have believed?

Could I have been
drinking..?

= present
* Could he tell her? (
?)

Speculation (Discussing a photo)

1.

This photo shows

These photos show

2. I think.
Probably / Perhaps

people doing/learning/ making/ going/ reading/ working/ playing

people living in different places
people looking happy. They seem to be talking to each other
people on holiday
people doing responsible jobs

it could be./might be./ can't be/ must be..

it might have been
this might not help in the situation
this could cause problems / this would be good for

3.

It's hard to say, but I think..

It looks as if it's

4.

I get the impression that..

It seems to me that.

I would imagine .

It looks like a

I would guess.

Test 3. Modals 8th form.

I.

Fill in may/might, must or cant.

1) Kellys hair looks fantastic. She have dyed it.

2) Dave .be at home. Hes still on holiday.
3) I saw James leave the burning building. He .be the person who started the fire.

4) Jill .have invited Fiona to her party. They dont speak to one another.
II. Write the appropriate form of the infinitive.
5) She cant ..(take) an aspirin. She still has a headache.
6) She must ..(arrive) at the office by now.
7) They cant .in a flat. They own a house.
8) She must .(be) very successful. Shes on the corner of three magazines this month.
9) He looks sad. He must(have) some bad news.
III. Complete each sentence with two to five words , including the word in bold.
10) Im sure he didnt steal the money. He..the money. (stolen)
8) Im certain theyve arrived by now. They .by now. ( must)
9) Perhaps she was having a shower when you rang her. She ..a shower when you rang her.
13) Im sure they are still at home. They ..at home. (be)
14) Sarah lent Simon some money. Sarah Simon some money. (might)
15) It will rain tonight. It..tonight. (may)

( been)

IV. Complete the sentences using must, have to, may/ might, could or cant.
16) Perhaps Tom will work late tonight. Tom..work late tonight.
17) Its possible that Mary is trying to call us. Mary.to call us.
18) The students are obliged to finish the test in one hour. The students ..to finish the test in one hour.
19) Its possible that Mum is working in the garden. Mumworking in the garden.
20) Im sure Rachel is hungry. Rachel..hungry.
V. Choose the correct item.
21) Dan cant be a teacher. A) Im sure Dan isnt a teacher. B) I think Dan isnt a teacher.
22) If it is hot tomorrow, we might go to the beach. A) Well definitely go to the beach tomorrow. B) It is possible
that we will go to the beach tomorrow.
23) Its very late. The children be sleeping. A) must
B) cant
24) The north of England ..get very cold during the winter. A) may
B) can
25) John isnt at home. He.be at the gym. A) might
B) cant
VI. Translate into English.
26) , , .
27) , , .
28) , .
29) , 70 .
30) . ( )

Test 4. Modals 8th form.

I.
1)
2)
3)
4)
II.

Fill in may/might, must or cant.

They ..have left together as I saw them get into the same car.
It ..rain this afternoon as its very cloudy.
I went to Sams house but nobody was there. He .have gone to the office.
Look! The doors unlocked. Susan have forgotten to lock it.
Write the appropriate form of the infinitive.

5) Lilly cant (finish) her homework. She only started it ten minutes ago.

6)
7)
8)
9)

The house could (burn down) if the fire brigade hadnt arrived on time.
He must(hurt) his leg. Hes limping.
Lynn cant ..(be) at home. Shes gone shopping.
Julie wasnt at home this morning. She might (go) to the dentists.

III.

Complete each sentence with two to five words , including the word in bold.

10)
11)
12)
13)
14)
15)

Its possible that he forgot to reserve a table. He a table. ( could)

Im sure she didnt know about the surprise party. Shethe surprise party. ( have)
Perhaps he will call you from the airport. He .the airport. ( might)
Im certain she didnt go to work last Saturday. She ..work last Saturday. ( gone)
Pete is in the Sports Centre. Pete ..in the Sports centre. ( could)
Sally wrote to the bank. Sally ..to the bank. ( might)

IV. Complete the sentences using must, have to, may/ might, could or cant.
16)Perhaps Dad will take us out to dinner. Dadtake us out to dinner.
17) Im sure Lucy hasnt reached the station yet. Lucy.reached the station yet.
18) It is necessary for Grandma to take her medication every morning. Grandma .. to take her medication
every morning.
19) Its likely that they have gone to the supermarket .
They .to the supermarket.
20) Im certain Bob didnt leave the party early. Bobthe party early.
V. Choose the correct item.
21) Alison has to work on Saturday. Her boss told her so. A) Alison wants to work on Saturday. B) Alisons boss
wants her to work on Saturday.
22) That be Eve on the phone. She doesnt know our new number. A) mustnt
B) cant
23) Why are Bob and Mag late? Well, they missed the 5 oclock bus. A) could have been B) might have
24) Diana must ..the stage props all night. She looks extremely tired. A) be preparing B) have been preparing
25) Susan has a broken leg. She..gone skiing. A) may have
B) cant have
VI. Translate into English.
26) , .
27) , , .
28) , 17 .
29) , , .
30) , , . ( )

Key Test 3 Modals

1) must 2)cant 3)must 4)cant 5)have taken 6) have arrived 7) live 8) be 9) have had 10) cant have stolen
11) must have arrived 12) may/might/could have been having 13) must still be 14) might have lent
15) may rain 16) may/might 17) may/ might/ could be trying 18) must/have 19) may/might /could be
20) must be 21) a 22) b 23)a 24)b 25) a 26) I might not be here tomorrow 27) Mike may not have received my letter
28) Pete cant have told her about it. 29) She cant be 70 .30) She must have gone on holiday.

Key Test 4 Modals

1) must 2) may/might 3) may/might 4) must 5) have finished 6) have burned/burned 7) have hurt 8) be 9) have gone
10) could have forgotten to reserve 11) cant have known about 12) might call you from 13) cant have gone to
14) could be 15) might have written 16) may/might/could 17) cant have 18) must/has 19) may/might/could have gone
20) cant/ couldnt have left 21) b 22)b 23)b 24) b 25)b 26) She cant have gone there 27) Pete may/could have read
your book 28) She cant be only 17. 29) Ann may not have noticed you. 30) He must have been sleeping
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