MODAL VERBS

ABILITY CAN/CAN’T (present) He can swim very well.

COULD/COULDN’T (past) I could read when I was 5.
BE ABLE TO (all tenses) She will be able to run faster after her
knee surgery.
ASKING FOR OR SHOULD They should start exercising soon.
GIVING ADVICE You shouldn’t eat too many sweets.
SHOULDN’T
POSSIBILITY MAY/MAY NOT (60%) We may go to the cinema tonight, but
I’m not sure yet.
MIGHT/MIGHTN’T (50%) It might rain today.
OBLIGATION/ MUST You must be on time for the lesson.
NECESSITY HAVE TO I have to work on Sunday.
NEED TO Does she need to do that now?
LACK OF DON’T/DOESN’T HAVE TO You don’t have to bring money when
OBLIGATION/ you shop with your parents.
NECESSITY DON’T/DOESN’T NEED TO He doesn’t need to take an umbrella, it’s
not raining.
PROHIBITION MUSTN’T You mustn’t drink alcohol if you’re
under 18.

1 Complete the sentences using may, may not, might or might not.
1. Alice is ill. She ……………………………… go to school.
2. The doctor thinks that I’ve a got a broken shoulder, but he ……………………………… be wrong.
3. Josh has fallen off his horse. He ……………………………… have a broken leg.
4. Mr Carter has lost his memory. He ……………………………… recognize us.
5. That woman has got a very rare disease. There ……………………………… be a cure.

2 Complete the sentences with the verbs below and the correct form of can or could.
hear  walk  drive  call
1. Last week, Emily …………………… , but now she doesn’t need her wheelchair.
2. Do you want to speak to the nurse? I …………………… her for you.
3. Leo was lucky that he …………………… his car to hospital.
4. Speak more loudly, please. I …………………… you.
3 Complete the mini-dialogues with the correct form of be able to.
1. A: Hi, Jane. Why didn’t you go out with us yesterday?
B: I’ve got an upset stomach, so I 1. …………………… go out last night.
A: 2. …………………… you …………………… go to the cinema on Sunday?
B: Yes, I’m sure I’ll be OK by then.
2. A: Good morning, Mrs Smith. How is your mother?
B: Unfortunately she 1. …………………… get out of bed till next week.
A: I see. 2. …………………… she …………………… sit up in bed?
B: Yes, she can do that.

4 Complete the sentences with the verbs below and the correct form of need to.
rest  wash  put  see  take
1. He’s got a sprained ankle. We …………………… a bandage on it.
2. Chloe is feeling better now. She …………………… the pills any more.
3. It’s just a cold. I …………………… a doctor.
4. You’re very tired. You …………………… .
5. There’s a lot of bacteria all around us. We …………………… our hands frequently.

5 Complete the sentences with the modals below.

doesn’t have to  shouldn’t  must  should  mustn’t
1. He …………………… have surgery or he’ll die.
2. This isn’t a serious injury. She …………………… have an X-ray.
3. You are obviously not well. You …………………… go to school today.
4. Lily …………………… eat so much pizza. It isn’t healthy.
5. You …………………… take this pill. It will make you feel better.

6 Rewrite the sentences using a modal verb.

1. I am not able to get up very early in the morning: _________________________________________________
2. I advise you to try that restaurant: ______________________________________________________________
3. It is not necessary that you shout; I’m not deaf: __________________________________________________
4. Drivers have to observe the speed limit: _________________________________________________________
5. It isn’t a good idea to walk alone in the alley: ____________________________________________________
6. Perhaps it is rainy tonight: ___________________________________________________________________
7. I’m not sure he likes you: ____________________________________________________________________
8. Parents have an obligation to teach their children manners: ________________________________________
9. His grandparents weren’t able to eat healthy when they were young: _________________________________
10. I suggest that you sleep more: _______________________________________________________________