MODAL VERBS

1. Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb: should / ought to / can / have to /
mustnt / dont have to/ could
1 You ______________ smoke in public places.
2 We ______________ learn Chinese in our school.
3 You ______________ wear a crash helmet when you are riding a motorbike.
4 You ______________ eat a healthy diet.
5 I ______________ study hard all weekend.
6 You ______________ respect other peoples opinions.
7 She ______________ always sing really well.
8 ______________ you leave us alone now?
3. Circle the correct option.
1 Im not sure where Jane is. She could / must be at the office.
2 Sally has to / doesnt have to pass all her exams because she wants to go to university.
3 You ought to / can check you have all the ingredients before you start making the cake.
4 The letter should / couldnt arrive tomorrow. It was sent by express delivery.
5 You mustnt / have to book the tickets soon, otherwise theyll be sold out!
6 You dont have to / mustnt smoke at a petrol station. You cant / could cause an explosion.
7 That painting is obviously a forgery. It mustnt / cant be by Van Gogh.
8 That doesnt have to / cant be right! The answers must / can be wrong.

4. Match the sentence beginnings (1-4) with the endings (a-d).

1. 1 You have to watch

a that programme if you dont want to.

2 You must watch

b that programme youll love it!

3 You mustnt watch

c too much TV. Its bad for you.

4 You dont have to watch

d a lot of TV if you want to become a TV critic.

2. 1 You have to buy

a any more books or youll spend all your money.

2 You must buy

b the new book by Dan Brown. Its incredible.

3 You mustnt buy

c the books you can get them from the library.

4 You dont have to buy

d all the books before the course starts. Its a

university regulation.

5. Choose the correct modal verb.

1 A John! Your rooms filthy! You absolutely must / should / can clean it now.
B You love giving orders! You ought to / can / must be in the army.
2 A What are you doing here? You have to / must / should be in your maths class.
B I dont have to / mustnt / shouldnt go to class if I dont want to.
A You mustnt / dont have to / couldnt miss class or youll never pass your exam.
3 A What documents do I have to / must I / can I get if I want to work in Australia?
B No idea. Maybe you should / must / have to ask Pete. He lived there for a while.
4 A Can I / Must I / Should I have another coffee please? I couldnt / mustnt / shouldnt order
before because you were too busy.
B Im sorry but the restaurants closed. Can / should / must you leave now please?
6. Rewrite these sentences in your notebook using an appropriate modal verb.
1 Last year, I didnt know how to use Power Point. ______________________________________
2 Is it necessary for me to have a passport? ______________________________________
3 I suggest that you try the shop round the corner. ______________________________________
4 Its my personal obligation to speak to her. ______________________________________
5 Would you mind helping me with these bags? ______________________________________
6 Youre not allowed to eat in class! ______________________________________

ANSWERS
1. Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb:
1 mustnt; 2 dont have to; 3 have to; 4 should / ought to; 5 have to; 6 should / ought to; 7 could;
8 Can

3. Circle the correct option 1 could; 2 has to; 3 ought to; 4 should; 5 have to; 6 mustnt / could; 7
cant; 8 cant / must
4. Match the sentence beginnings (1-4) with the endings (a-d).
4.1 1d; 2b; 3c; 4a

4.2 1d; 2b; 3a; 4c

5. Choose the correct modal verb

1 must / ought to
2 should / dont have to / mustnt
3 do I have to / should
4 Can I / couldnt / Can

6. Rewrite these sentences in your notebook using an appropriate modal verb.

1 Last year, I couldnt / was unable to use PowerPoint
2 Do I have to / Do I need to have a passport?
3 You should try the shop round the corner.
4 I must speak to her.
5 Could you help me with these bags?
6 You mustnt eat in class!