Modals

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are special verbs which behave very differently from normal verbs. Here
are some important differences:

1. Modal verbs do not take "-s" in the third person.

Examples:

 He can speak Chinese.

 She should be here by 9:00.

2. You use "not" to make modal verbs negative, even in Simple Present and Simple
Past.

Examples:

 He should not be late.

 They might not come to the party.

3. Many modal verbs cannot be used in the past tenses or the future tenses.

Examples:

 He will can go with us. Not Correct

 She musted study very hard. Not Correct

Common Modal Verbs

Can Ought to
Could Shall
May Should
Might Will
Must Would

For the purposes of this lesson, we have included some expressions which are not modal
verbs including had better, have to, and have got to. These expressions are closely
related to modals in meaning and are often interchanged with them.
 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.

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

 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

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

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

 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")

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
 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

Would

"Would" is most commonly used to create conditional verb forms. It also serves as the
past form of the modal verb "will." Additionally, "would" can indicate repetition in the
past.

Examples:

 If he were an actor, he would be in adventure movies. conditional

 I knew that she would be very successful in her career. past of "will"

 When they first met, they would always have picnics on the beach. Repetition

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
 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

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 "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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. I can speak Chinese. 1. I can't speak Swahili. be able

to
2. SHIFT TO "COULD" 2. SHIFT TO "COULD"
can I could speak Chinese when I was a kid. I couldn't speak Swahili.
general ability
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
I will be able to speak Chinese by the time I finish my I won't be able to speak Swahili.
course.

1. With a burst of adrenaline, people can pick up cars. 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, people can't pick up be able
something that heavy. to
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he was able to lift the 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
can
car off the child's leg. Even the weight lifter, wasn't able to lift the car off the
ability during a specific
child's leg.
event 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
With a sudden burst of adrenaline, he will be able to lift 3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
the car. Even three men working together won't be able to lift the
car.

can 1. I have some free time. I can help her now. 1. I don't have any time. I can't help her now. be able
opportunity 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" to
I had some free time yesterday. I was able to help her at I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't able to help her at
that time. that time.

3. I'll have some free time tomorrow. I can help her then. 3. I won't have any time later. I can't help her then.

1. I can drive Susan's car when she is out of town. 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is out of town. may

2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO " 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO "

can I was allowed to drive Susan's car while she was out of I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car while she was out of
permission town last week. town last week.

3. I can drive Susan's car while she is out of town next 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is out of town next
week. week.

Can I have a glass of water? Can't I have a glass of water? could,

can may
Can you give me a lift to school? Can't you give me a lift to school?
request
Requests usually refer to the near future. Requests usually refer to the near future.

Anyone can become rich and famous if they know the It can't cost more than a dollar or two. could
right people.
can You can't be 45! I thought you were about 18 years old.
possibility, impossibility Learning a language can be a real challenge.
This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
This use is usually a generalization or a supposition.
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. John could be the one who stole the money.
could
2. John could have been the one who stole the money.
possibility
3. John could go to jail for stealing the money.
1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the money. might,
may
2. Mary couldn't have been the one who stole the money.
3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the crime.

1. If I had more time, I could travel around the world. 1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel around the world.

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

1. NO PRESENT FORM NO NEGATIVE FORMS

could
2. You could have spent your vacation in Hawaii.
suggestion
3. You could spend your vacation in Hawaii.
 I could run ten miles in my twenties. I couldn't run more than a mile in my twenties. be able
to
I could speak Chinese when I was a kid. I couldn't speak Swahili.
could
past ability "Could" cannot be used in positive sentences in which you "Could" can be used in negative sentences in which you describe
describe a momentary or one-time ability. a momentary or one-time ability.

Yesterday, I could lift the couch by myself. Not Correct Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by myself. Correct

Could I have something to drink? Couldn't he come with us? can,

could may,
polite Could I borrow your stapler? Couldn't you help me with this for just a second? might
request
Requests usually refer to the near future. Requests usually refer to the near future.

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.
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. Jack may be upset. I can't really tell if he is annoyed or tired. 1. Jack may not be upset. Perhaps he is tired. might

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

1. You may leave the table now that you're finished with your 1. You may not leave the table. You're not finished with your can
dinner. dinner yet.

2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO" 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO"

may
You were allowed to leave the table after you finished your You were not allowed to leave the table because you hadn't finished
give permission
dinner. your dinner.

3. You may leave the table when you finish your dinner. 3. You may not leave the table until you are finished with your
dinner.

May I borrow your eraser? NO NEGATIVE FORMS can,

may might
request May I make a phone call?
permission
Requests usually refer to the near future.
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. She might be on the bus. I think her car is having problems. 1. She might not be on the bus. She might be walking could,
home. may
2. She might have taken the bus. I'm not sure how she got to work.
might 2. She might not have taken the bus. She might have
possibility 3. She might take the bus to get home. I don't think Bill will be able to walked home.
give her a ride.
3. She might not take the bus. She might get a ride
from Bill.

1. If I entered the contest, I might actually win. 1. Even if I entered the contest, I might not win.

might 2. If I had entered the contest, I might actually have won. 2. Even if I had entered the contest, I might not have
conditional of won.
may 3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I might actually win.
Unfortunately, I can't enter it. 3. Even if I entered the contest tomorrow, I might not
win.

might 1. NO PRESENT FORM 1. NO PRESENT FORM could

suggestion 2. You might have tried the cheese cake. 2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON
 3. You might try the cheesecake. 3. You might not want to eat the cheese cake. It's very
calorific.

might Might I have something to drink? NEGATIVE FORMS UNCOMMON could,

request may,
Might I borrow the stapler? can
(British form) Requests usually refer to the near future.

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.
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. That must be Jerry. They said he was tall with bright red 1. That must not be Jerry. He is supposed to have red hair. have to
hair.
2. That must not have been the right restaurant. I guess there is
must
2. That must have been the right restaurant. There are no another one around here somewhere.
certainty
other restaurants on this street.
3. NO FUTURE FORM
3. NO FUTURE FORM

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

must not You must not forget to take your malaria medication while your
prohibition are in the tropics.

Prohibition usually refer to the near future.

must 1. You must take some time off and get some rest. 1. You mustn't drink so much. It's not good for your health. should
strong
recommendation 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
You should have taken some time off last week to get You shouldn't have drunk so much. That caused the accident.
(Americans some rest.
prefer 3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"
the form 3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" You shouldn't drink at the party. You are going to be the
"should.") You should take some time off next week to get some designated driver.
rest.

must 1. You must have a permit to enter the national park. 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" have to
necessity We don't have to get a permit to enter the national park.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
(Americans We had to have a permit to enter the park. 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
prefer We didn't have to get a permit to enter the national park.
3. We must get a permit to enter the park next week.
the form 3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
"have to.") We won't have to get a permit to enter the national park.

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.
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. Margaret ought to exercise more. 1. Margaret ought not exercise too much. It might cause injury. should

2. Margaret ought to have exercised more so she would be 2. Margaret ought not have run the marathon. She wasn't in good
ought to
better prepared for the marathon. shape.
recommendation, advice
3. Margaret ought to come to the fitness center with us 3. Margaret ought not stay at home in front of the TV. She should
tonight. go to the fitness center with us.

1. She ought to have the package by now. "Ought not" is used primarily to express negative should
ought to recommendations. (See above.)
assumption, expectation, 2. She ought to have received the package yesterday.
probability
3. She ought to receive the package tonight.

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.
 More Examples of "Shall"

Modal Use Positive Forms Negative Forms Also use:

shall I shall be replaced by someone from the New York office. I shall not be replaced after all. will
future action
I shall be there by 8:00. I shall not be there. I have a previous obligation.
(British form)

shall Shall we begin dinner? should

suggestions Shall we move into the living room?

shall I shall take care of everything for you. I shall never forget you. will
volunteering,
promising I shall make the travel arrangements. There's no need to worry. I shall never give up the fight for freedom.

(British form)

shall Man shall explore the distant regions of the universe. Man shall never give up the exploration of the universe.
inevitability
We shall overcome oppression. He shall not be held back.
(British form)
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also use:

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

1. People with high cholesterol should eat low-fat foods. 1. Sarah shouldn't smoke so much. It's not ought to
good for her health.
2. Frank should have eaten low-fat foods. That might have prevented his
should heart attack. 2. Sarah shouldn't have smoked so much.
recommendation, That's what caused her health problems.
advisability 3. You really should start eating better.
3. Sarah shouldn't smoke when she visits
Martha next week. Martha hates when people
smoke in her house.

I should be at work before 9:00. NO NEGATIVE FORMS be

supposed
We should return the video before the video rental store closes. to
should
obligation "Should" can also express something between recommendation and
obligation. "Be supposed to" expresses a similar idea and can easily be
used in the past or in negative forms.

should 1. Susan should be in New York by now. 1. Susan shouldn't be in New York yet. ought to,
expectation be
2. Susan should have arrived in New York last week. Let's call her and 2. Susan shouldn't have arrived in New York supposed
 see what she is up to. until yesterday. to

3. Susan should be in New York by next week. Her new job starts on 3. Susan shouldn't arrive in New York until
Monday. next week.

Using "Would" in Present, Past, and Future

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Modal Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. If I were president, I would cut the cost of education. 1. If I were president, I would not raise taxes.

would 2. If I had been president, I would have cut the cost of education. 2. If I had been president, I would not have raised taxes.
conditional
3. If I were elected president next year, I would cut the cost of 3. If I were president, I would not sign the tax increase next
education. week.

would I said I would help you. I said I wouldn't help you.

past of "will" He told me he would be here before 8:00. He told me he would not be here before 8:00.

would When I was a kid, I would always go to the beach. When I was a kid, I wouldn't go into the water by myself. used to
repetition in
past When he was young, he would always do his homework. When he got older, he would never do his homework.
 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT TO" 1. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" OR "OUGHT TO" should,

People should unplug toasters before they clean them. People shouldn't clean toasters without unplugging them first. ought to

had better 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR "OUGHT TO HAVE" 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR "OUGHT TO HAVE"
recommendation You should have unplugged the toaster before you tried to You shouldn't have cleaned the toaster without unplugging it
clean it. first.

3. You had better unplug the toaster before you try to clean it. 3. You had better not clean the toaster until you unplug it.

The movie had better end soon. They had better not be late.
had better
They had better be here before we start dinner. They had better not forget Tom's birthday gift.
desperate hope,
warning Desperate hopes and warnings usually refer to the near Desperate hopes and warnings usually refer to the near
future. future.

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

 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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also

Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future use:

1. That has to be Jerry. They said he was tall with bright red 1. SHIFT TO "MUST" must,
hair. That must not be Jerry. They said he has blond hair, not red hair. have got
to
have to 2. That has to have been the right restaurant. There were no 2. SHIFT TO "MUST"
certainty other restaurants on the street. That must not have been the right restaurant. I guess there was another
one around there somewhere.
3. NONE
3. NONE

1. She has to read four books for this literature class.
2. She had to finish the first book before the midterm.
have to
necessity 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 must
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.

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.

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.

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also use:

Use
1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future

1. People have got to be on time if they want to get a 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" have to,
seat in the crowded theater. People don't have to be there on time to get a seat. must

2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"

have got to
You had to be on time if you wanted to get a seat in You didn't have to be there on time to get a seat.
necessity
the crowded theater.
3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"
3. You have got to be there on time tonight if you want You won't have to be there on time to get a seat.
to get a seat in the crowded theater.

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

to Haven't you got to finish that project today? have to
future
obligation "Haven't got to" is primarily used to ask about future obligations. It
can be used in statements, but this is less common.

Modal Forms

Modal verbs can be used in a variety of different forms. Study the examples below using the modal should.

Modal Simple Passive Modal Simple

I should clean the room once a day. The room should be cleaned once a day.

Modal Continuous Passive Modal Continuous

I should be cleaning the room now. The room should be being cleaned now.

Modal Perfect Passive Modal Perfect

I should have cleaned the room yesterday. The room should have been cleaned yesterday.

Modal Perfect Continuous Passive Modal Perfect Continuous

I should have been cleaning the room instead of watching TV. The room should have been being cleaned but nobody was there. (Rare form)
 Modal Verbs Exercise 1

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed in the box below. 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 be dangerous if you are not well prepared for
dramatic weather changes. You research the route a little more before you
attempt the ascent.

4. When you have a small child in the house, you leave small objects lying
around. Such objects 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 die.

8. I 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 be in there. That's the only other place it be.

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

12. we pull over at the next rest stop? I really use the bathroom
and I don't know if I hold it until we get to Chicago.

13. Oh no! Frank's wallet is lying on the coffee table. He have left it here
last night.

14. Ned: I borrow your lighter for a minute?

Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you keep it if you want to. I've given
up smoking.

15. I believe she said that to Megan! She insult her cooking in
front of everyone at the party last night. She 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 a while 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 be lying around here somewhere. Where it be?
 Modal Verbs Exercise 2

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed below. Negative and past forms are also
used in this lesson. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer.

must have to

1. I be at the meeting by 10:00. I will probably take a taxi if I

want to be on time.

2. You 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 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 have it towed more
than a hundred miles to the nearest mechanic.
Lilly: That have cost a fortune!
9. While hiking in Alaska, you keep an eye out for bears. If you see one,
you approach it. They are beautiful animals; however, they are wild and
unpredictable in nature. You be afraid of them, but educating yourself
about the dangers can help keep you safe.

10. I go to work tomorrow because it is Memorial Day. The best thing

about a day off from work is that I get up at 6:00; I can sleep in till noon if
I want to.

11. Yesterday, I 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!
 Modal Verbs Exercise 3

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed below. Positive and negative forms can
be used. Some gaps may have more than one answer.

might must should

1. Nancy said you didn't need to buy her anything for her birthday, but I really think
you at least get her some flowers or a nice bottle of wine.

2. Debbie said she was really busy this week, but I think she show up at the
party if she doesn't have to work overtime on Friday.

3. Nina said she would come over right after work, so she be here by 6:00.

4. Oh my God, he's unconscious. Don't move him - he have internal injuries.

Somebody call an ambulance.

5. You be kidding! That can't be true.

6. Dan: Where's the remote control? I want to change the channel.

Fiona: I don't know. It be under the couch. Or, perhaps I absent-mindedly
took it into the kitchen. I'll check in there.

7. For most people, learning a language is a challenging undertaking. Experts agree that
to make the most of your language learning experience, you practice the
language regularly and push yourself to maintain old vocabulary while acquiring new
words and expressions.

8. New research suggests that exercise can reduce the chance of heart disease as well as
cancer. That's why I told my father that he start walking once a day.

9. We should invite Sally and her husband to come to the picnic on Saturday. We
haven't seen them in weeks, and they really enjoy a nice day at the beach.

10. Tim: While I was a student, I spent a year and a half studying Pygmy culture in the
Central African Republic. My research focused on unique aspects of the their social
structure and religion.
Simona: That have been absolutely fascinating!
11. We had better call Tony to see if he's at home before we go over to his house.
He be there and we don't want to drive all the way over there for nothing.

12. At first, my boss didn't want to hire Sam. But, because I had previously worked with
Sam, I told my boss that he take another look at his resume and reconsider
him for the position.

13. You 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.

14. I would love to go on the cruise to Tahiti with Robin and Michelle. But such a
luxurious trip cost a fortune. I doubt I could afford something like that.

15. The book recommends adding fresh soil and using plant food to make your garden
flowers grow. Since some people might be allergic to chemicals in artificial plant foods,
the book says that you use an organic brand to avoid skin irritations.
 Modal Verbs Exercise 4

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed below.

couldn’t might not

1. Unfortunately, James and Michelle had already made plans, so

they come with us to the exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary
Art.

2. They have had several major snow storms in the mountains during the last month. We
had better call the highway patrol to check road conditions. The road to
Smithsville be passable.

3. We should call Tim before we go over to his house; he be there. I

don't want to drive all the way there for nothing.

4. In order to win the pie eating contest, Norman would have to eat sixteen pies in ten
minutes. He possibly eat that many pies - he would explode!

5. I know Eve wants to go to the ballet with us, but we'd better call her before we get
her ticket. She works Wednesday nights, and she be able to get time off
that evening.

6. Susan hear the speaker because the crowd was cheering so loudly.

7. It be a bad idea to take some snacks along while we're hiking. Last
time, we got so hungry we had to come back early without finishing the hike.

8. Jerry might be angry, or he . You never really know with him because
he's so temperamental.

9. Jerry be angry at me. I've never done anything to upset him.

10. The lamp be broken. Maybe the light bulb just burned out.

11. When you were a child, you could swim from here to the little island in the middle
of the river, you? At least, that's what your father told me.
12. She possibly be the winner of the talent show! The other acts were
much better than hers.

13. Frank and Sarah get tickets to the concert. The concert was sold out
a little over an hour after tickets went on sale.

14. I heard that band is really popular, and tickets sell out quickly.
You get tickets if you wait too long.

15. That concert has been sold out for weeks. You get tickets even if
you knew the band personally. It's impossible!

16. It be a bad idea to get a car alarm for your new sports car. New cars
tend to attract thieves.

17. That possibly be Mr. Jones. He's lost so much weight that he looks
like a completely different person.

18. You do the job if you didn't speak Arabic fluently.

19. Jane and Bill have gotten the invitation to the party. Perhaps, that's
why they didn't show up. I doubt they would actually skip your birthday party - they're
your best friends!

20. I have left my keys at Simon's house. I wouldn't have been able to
drive home if I had done that. They must be somewhere here in the apartment. Let's
keep looking.
 Modal Verbs Exercise 5

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed below. Don't forget to capitalize when
necessary. Some gaps may have more than one correct answer.

may had better have got to shall

1. I know it's rather rude, but I ask you where you purchased that pocket
watch? I have been looking for one like that for my father.

2. You look good for your interview if you want to get the sales job.
You wear the white shirt and the maroon tie. I think that'll look really
professional.

3. I be at work tomorrow by 7:00. I give a marketing

presentation to one of our clients.

4. It's pretty hot in the desert at this time of year. If we are going to do some hiking,
we take at least two or three quarts of water with us. Actually,
it be hotter than we expect out there - maybe we should take a gallon or
more.

5. You leave the table once you have finished your meal and politely
excused yourself.

6. I can't stand these people - I get out of here. I'm going to take off for a
while as you get rid of them. When I get back, they be gone.

7. I try a little of your Black Forest cake? It looks absolutely delicious -

I taste it!

8. You take along some cash. The restaurant not accept credit
cards.

9. You take along some cash. The restaurant doesn't accept credit cards.
10. we move into the living room? It's more comfortable in there and there's
a beautiful view of the lake.

11. I'm not really sure if Susan is going to go snowboarding with us or not.
She decide to stay here and study for her Japanese final. She get
a good score on the test if she wants to qualify to study abroad in Tokyo next semester.

12. I have a look at that necklace there in the display case. It's exactly what
I've been looking for.

13. We no longer suffer the injustice of oppression. We never

give up the struggle for freedom!

14. You be joking! If you think I'm going to give you a tip after you mixed
up the meal orders, spilled wine on me and insulted my wife, you get your
head examined!!!

15. Ian, Evelyn and Deborah will be attending the conference. I be attending
as well.
 Modal Verbs Exercise 6

Gap-fill Exercise

Complete the sentences using the words listed below.

could might should would

1.
Donna: If I won the ten million dollar lottery jackpot, I afford to quit my
job and travel the world.

Sam: Where you go if you had that much money?

Donna: I don't know, I choose to spend a year in Paris - or perhaps

I go to Kenya.

Sam: How often do you buy lottery tickets?

Donna: Never... I guess if I want to win the lottery, I try buying some
tickets.

Sam: That help.

2.
Waitress: Hi, my name is Sandy - I'll be your waitress tonight. What can I get for you?

Tony: I haven't decided yet. Is there anything you recommend? Is there

anything you think I try?

Waitress: You try the Cajun catfish - or perhaps the Gumbo. They're both
delicious.

Tony: That sounds wonderful, but that be a little too spicy for me.
Actually, the prawns sound good. Umm, I have the barbecued prawns?

Waitress: Sure, you like a salad with that?

3.
Jan: What we look for in a candidate when we vote in a presidential
election?

Peter: I think citizens vote for a President who has the ability to improve
the quality of life in the United States.

Jan: What you do if you were President of the United States?

Peter: I focus on reducing environmental pollution.

Jan: Every candidate always says he's going to do that, but it's a really complicated
problem - it's not one which is easily solved. What makes you think
you actually stop pollution?
 Perfect modals

(Modal + have + past participle)

Could have/couldn’t have

This denotes past ability, how you had this option in the past but now the choice no
longer exists.

 I could have gone to Africa when I was 16.

 You could have been a rockstar, You were really good at playing the guitar.

 He couldn’t have gone to school without his lunch.

 She couldn’t have stolen the bag, she was in another town.

Should have/shouldn’t have

These denote past obligation, something that you had to do in the past for the result to
be favourable now.

 He should have gone to the bank earlier, he knew he had to pay the bill today.

 She shouldn’t have touched their property, that wasn’t the right thing to do.

 We should have gone to see her when we had the chance.

 I shouldn’t have said that to Mr Brown, I wasn’t thinking about it.

Would have/wouldn’t have

These show a past conditional construction, a condition that existed in the past but does
not anymore.

 I would have bought the dress if I’d had enough money.

 I wouldn’t have gone to the party if I had known she would be there.

 She would have been so sad if she had seen that picture.

 We wouldn’t have been so angry if they had just apologised.

May have/may not have
These constructions denote past possibility, they usually describe something about
which you are not quite certain.

 I may have left it at home, but I’m not sure.

 I may not have told him to go to the store earlier.

 We may not have been so lucky if things had happened differently.

 I may not have been honest with him.

Might have/might not have

These constructions denote past possibility, they usually describe something about
which you are not quite certain.

 I might have gone to the party if I hadn’t had something to do.

 I might not have been so angry but I was having a bad day.

 She might have left it at home.

 We might go to the party later, if you want to come.

Must have/must not have

This denotes past probability, something of which you are nearly certain but of which
you are not quite sure.

 I must have been really drunk last night because I don’t remember much!

 She must not have heard me properly because I didn’t say that.

 He must have been having a bad day because he’s not usually like that.

 We must not have been thinking straight because that was a silly thing to do.
 Exercises

Perfect Modals 1

Write the correct perfect modal for the following sentences. Use one of the forms listed
below. Some answers can be used more than once.

could have must have couldn’t have should have

1. Your house looks great. You spent a lot of time painting it.

2. Michael went running in the rain. He gotten sick.

3. It was so dark that I fell down the stairs. I fixed the light.

4. Patty gone by bus. Why did she walk?

5. I called his apartment and nobody answered. He gone out.

6. You shovelled the front walk. It looks so clean.

7. He stolen the car. He was with me all the time.

8. My bicycle is broken. I never ridden it down the stairs.

9. Jim looks happy. I think he gotten a new job.

10. The chocolate cake is all gone! Someone eaten it.

 Perfect Modals 2

Write the correct perfect modal for the following sentences. Use one of the forms listed
below. Some answers can be used more than once. Make sure to use the right form of
the verbs in parenthesis.

could have must have shouldn’t have should have

1. Gloria has won every game she's played today. She (practice)
a lot.

2. I don't have anything to wear today. I (do) the laundry.

3. Jack lost his wallet on the way to work. He (lose) it on the

bus.

4. You did very well on the exam. You (study) a lot.

5. The Smiths (build) their house anywhere. Why did he choose

here?

6. It's hot in here today. I (wear) a heavy sweater today.

7. You (feed) your dog. He has been hungry all day.

8. Lucy shouldn't have stood on the broken chair. She (fall).

9. I (buy) more milk. I am almost out.

10. I didn't do very well on the test.I (spend) more time studying.