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Modal Verb Exercises

Modal Verbs – PDF

What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, ability, permission, or possibility. The most common modal verbs include: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. Each of these has different uses, depending on what the speaker wants to convey.

Modal Verb Uses

  • Can: Ability or permission (e.g., I can swim, Can I leave early?).
  • Could: Past ability or polite requests (e.g., I could run fast when I was younger, Could you help me?).
  • May: Permission or possibility (e.g., May I sit here?, It may rain later).
  • Might: Possibility (e.g., She might come to the party).
  • Must: Obligation or strong necessity (e.g., You must wear a seatbelt).
  • Should: Advice or recommendation (e.g., You should try this).
  • Will: Future intention or willingness (e.g., I will call you tomorrow).
  • Would: Polite requests or hypothetical situations (e.g., Would you like some tea?, If I were rich, I would travel the world).

Complete the Sentences Using the Correct Modal Verb

  1. You ____ (can/must) speak quietly in the library.
  2. I ____ (may/can) be late for the meeting because of traffic.
  3. She ____ (should/will) visit a doctor about her sore throat.
  4. We ____ (could/would) play outside when we were kids.
  5. He ____ (must/might) finish this project today.
  6. ____ (Can/Would) you help me with this problem?
  7. You ____ (can/would) come to the party if you want.
  8. They ____ (should/must) study harder to pass the exam.
  9. I ____ (may/will) give you a call later.
  10. He ____ (would/might) buy a new car if he had enough money.

Match the Modal Verb with Its Use

  1. Can
    a. Giving permission
    b. Ability
    c. Polite request
  2. Should
    a. Advice
    b. Future intention
    c. Hypothetical situation
  3. Must
    a. Possibility
    b. Strong obligation
    c. Polite request
  4. Would
    a. Hypothetical situation
    b. Ability
    c. Advice

Summary of Modal Verbs

  • Can/Could: Ability or permission
  • May/Might: Possibility or permission
  • Must: Necessity or strong obligation
  • Shall/Should: Advice or recommendation
  • Will/Would: Future intention or polite requests

Using modal verbs correctly is essential for expressing possibility, necessity, or permission in English. Practice these exercises to master the various uses.