Modals and Semi – Modals

Present Past Future

Can could -
am was
is able to able to will be able to
are were
must - -
have to/ has to had to will have to
should - -

Mrs. Green is talking to Liz, the babysitter. Find and underline all modals in the text.

Now listen, Liz, because it’s very important. Jim and Rina have to be in bed by 9 o’clock. They
can watch TV till 6 o’clock. Jim is ill so you have to give him this medicine. He has to take it
before he goes to bed. You also have to make sure that the children brush their teeth. You can
read them a story but you don’t have to. I couldn’t make food, because I had to go to the
doctor with Jim, so you can order something by phone for supper. Of course, you don’t have to
pay for it yourself – here’s some money. I’m sure you can take care of everything. See you later.

Use the table below to write sentences according to the passage.

Liz have to give in bed by 9 o’clock.

Jim and Rina has to read supper by phone.
Jim and Rina’s mother doesn’t have to be their teeth.
had to take TV.
can order Jim his medicine.
couldn’t make food.
watch the children story.
brush Jim to the doctor.

1.____________________________________________________________________________
2.____________________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________________________
5.____________________________________________________________________________
6.____________________________________________________________________________
7.____________________________________________________________________________
Choose the most suitable modal.
1. Fish ______________________ be in water in order to live.
a. can b. must c. should
2. I’m sorry I ____________________________ come to your party but I had to take care of my
little brother.
a. couldn’t b. mustn’t c. can’t
3. John ____________________________ leave early because he had a headache.
a. has to b. have to c. had to
4. Do you see the sign on the wall? You ___________________________ smoke here.
a. can’t b. shouldn’t c. mustn’t
5. This dress is too long. I ____________________________ shorten it.
a. can b. have to c. has to
6. You ____________________ take the dog for a walk. I’ll do it.
a. can’t b. mustn’t c. don’t have to
7. Pupils _____________________ study hard if they want to succeed.
a. can b. have to c. could
8. Dana ______________________ read when she was five years old.
a. should b. had to c. could
9. I _______________________ hear you because of loud music.
a. must b. can’t c. don’t have to
10. You _________________ visit your granny more than once.
a. can b. should c. is able to
11. She _________________________ play several musical instruments.
a. should b. am able to c. is able to
12. We __________________________ eat the food. It was horrible!
a. can’t b. shouldn’t c. couldn’t

Good Luck!