Handout 2

(1)Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal auxiliary verbs and identify the function of the
modal verbs.
1. My grandmother is eighty-five, but she ……………… still read and write without glasses.
(Ability)
a. can b.could c. may
2. …………….. I come with you?
(request)
a.Can b.Will c.Would
3. ………………. you help me with the housework, please? (Polite request)
a.Could b.Will c.Should
4. There was a time when I ………….. stay up very late. (Past ability)
a.would b.could c.can
5. You …………….. not lose any more weight. You are already slim. (Necessity)
a.may b.need c.should
6. We …………… talk at the phone while driving. (Prohibition)
a.must not b.will not c.cannot/can’t
7. It is snowing outside so I …………… stay at home. (Intention)
a.may b.will c.can
8. I ………………. get you a shawl from the new shop. (Promise)
a.will c.can
b.would d.may
9. …………….. you mind if I borrowed your car? (Permission)
a.Will b.Would c.Should
10. ……………. you take care of my dog for a day? (Polite request)
a.Will b.Shall c.Should
11. Our country ………………. become a super power by 2025. (possibility)
a.may c.will
b.might d.should

12. She …………… sell her home because she needs money. (weak possibility)

a.may b.might c.could

(2)Use the modal verbs in the box to complete the sentences. Sometimes there may be more
than one correct answer !
Handout 2

MAY - MIGHT - CAN - CAN'T - SHOULD - SHOULDN'T - MUST - HAVE TO - NEEDN'T - MUSTN'T - DON'T
HAVE TO - DOESN'T HAVE TO

1. I use your pen please ?

2. You write 30 sentences for homework.
3. You write 300 sentences ! 30 will be enough.
4. John speak so quickly.
5. She play the piano well.
6. Please excuse me, but I go now.
7. It's no good . - I just understand what you are talking about.
8. I watch TV tonight. I haven't decided yet.
9. You really see that film. It's great
10. You see that film. It's not so bad.
11. I am happy to say that I work tomorrow.
12. He work hard because he's poor.

11. He never does much work, but he .

12. If you have a bad cough you smoke.
13. They pass the examination if they write carefully.
14. You really make such a noise.
15. I really buy a new notebook. Mine is so old.
16. You study so hard. You get good grades anyway.
17. She write all the letters today. She can save some for tomorrow.
18. I am not going out today. I but I feel too tired.
19. You buy me any presents. I know you don't have the money.
20. Well, I go so soon, so I'll make myself comfortable.
21. You speak French. I speak English quite well.
22. You answer any more questions. This is the last one.