MODALS AND MODAL PERFECTS

1. Choose the correct answer.

1 I dont understand this maths problem. Could / Must you help me?
2 Its a surprise party, so we should / mustnt be late.
3 Theres no school tomorrow, so I cant / dont have to get up early.
4 I cant / shouldnt play tennis yet, but Id like to take lessons in the
summer.

2. Rewrite the sentences using modal verbs.

1 It is forbidden to use a mobile phone in the library.

2 It is possible that I will go skiing at the weekend.

3 My advice is that you tell John the truth.

4 I havent got enough time to finish the report by Tuesday.

5 We werent close enough to see the band.

3. Complete the sentences with the correct modal perfect below.

should have couldnt have must have could have

shouldnt have

1 You _______________________ told me the end of the film. Now I wont

enjoy it.
2 They _______________________ had a great time last night. They are
going out again.
3 Thank you for your help. We _____________________ finish the job
without you.
4 Im sorry. I ______________________ given you the message yesterday.
5 I ________________________ helped you paint the room. Why didnt you
ask me?

4. Complete the sentences. Use the correct modal or modal

perfect form of the verbs in brackets.
1 Mark was cold. He _______________________ (should/wear) a sweater.
2 Its not possible for Emily to meet us. She _______________________
(have to/work).
3 I dont believe it! That ______________________ (can / be) the reason
Sherry didnt come tonight!
4 I wish I had known you wanted to see that film. I _____________________
(could/tell) you we were going to the cinema last night.
5 Meg thinks I was wrong. She thinks I _____________________ (ought
to/apologise) to my mum.
 5. Complete the mini-dialogues. Choose a modal, then use the
correct modal or modal perfect form of the verbs in brackets.
should / must
1 A: You _________________________ (smoke) in here.
B: Im sorry. I ______________________ (notice) the sign.
must / neednt
2 A: Hurry up!
B: We _______________________ (go) so early!
A: If we dont go soon, well be at the back of the queue. The last time
I went to a concert, there ______________________ (be) 500 people
ahead of me!
couldnt / shouldnt
3 A: You _______________________ (borrow) my iPod without asking me!
B: I _______________________ (ask) you because you werent at home!
cant / would
4 A: I ______________________ (understand) these instructions for my new
camera!
B: _____________ you __________________ (like) some help?

6. Complete the email with the correct modal or modal perfect

form (affirmative or negative) of the words in brackets.

Hi Sandra,

Im very tired, and I dont think I _____________________ (be able to / keep) my

eyes open for long, but I wanted to let you know that the end-of-year party
was fabulous! The decorations were beautiful, and the food, which
_________________________ (must / be) quite expensive, was delicious. Also,
the band _________________________ (could / be) better they played great
music, and everyone dances until 3.00! By the way, I
_________________________ (should / pay) attention to your advice last week
when you said I _________________________ (should / wear) my high heels. I
_______________________ (have to / take off) my shoes at midnight because
my feet hurt so much!

Everybody missed you, and wished you ________________________ (be able to /

be) there! But you ________________________ (must / have) a wonderful time
in San Francisco now. I _______________________ (can / wait) to hear all about
it, so please email me soon!

Love, Ellen

7. Rewrite the sentences.

1 It is possible that it will get cold this evening.

2 It was wrong of Hugh to lie to me.

3 Im certain that I misunderstood him.

4 I advised him to go to the dentist the day his tooth started hurting.

5 I doubt that story is true.

6 Its not necessary for us to book a table at that restaurant.

7 Is it possible for me to borrow your black jumper?

8 Everyone in the car is required to use the seat belts.

8. Correct the mistakes.

1 It might rains later today.
2 There may is a solution to this problem.
3 You should havent told Tim the news.
4 Could have you given me a lift?
5 Sue and Tim look happy. They mustnt have argued.