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 For the purposes of this tutorial, we have

included some expressions which are not
Can  Ought to  modal verbs including had better, have
Could  Shall  to, and have got to. These expressions are
May  Should  closely related to modals in meaning and are
Might  Will  often interchanged with them.
Must Would
 Modal Forms
f t g+ pModal verbs can be used in a variety of different forms. Study the examples below.

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 The room should have been cleaned yesterday.
yesterday.

Modal Perfect Continuous  Passive Modal Perfect Continuous 

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

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also use:

Modal Use 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future
Future
1. I can speak Chinese. 1. I can't speak Swahili. be able to

2. SHIFT TO "COULD"  2. SHIFT TO "COULD" 

I could speak Chinese when I I couldn't speak Swahili.
can 
was a kid.
general ability
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"  I won't be able to speak Swahili.
I will be able to speak Chinese by
the time I finish my course.
1. With a burst of adrenaline, 1. Even with a burst of adrenaline, be able to
people can pick up cars. people can't pick up something that
heavy.
2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 
With a sudden burst of 2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"
can 
adrenaline, he was able to lift the Even the weight lifter, wasn't able to
ability during a
car off the child's leg. lift the car off the child's leg.
specific event
3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"  3. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 
With a sudden burst of Even three men working together
adrenaline, he will be able to lift won't be able to lift the car.
the car.
1. I have some free time. I can 1. I don't have any time. I can't help be able to
help her now. her  now.

2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO"  2. SHIFT TO "BE ABLE TO" 

can 
I had some free time yesterday. I I didn't have time yesterday. I wasn't
opportunity
was able to help her at that time. able to help her at that time.

3. I'll have some free time 3. I won't have any time later. I can't
tomorrow. I can help her then. help her then.
 1. I can drive Susan's car when 1. I can't drive Susan's car when she is may
she is out of town. out of town.

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

"  I wasn't allowed to drive Susan's car
can 
I was allowed to drive Susan's while she was out of town last week.
permission
car while she was out of town
last week. 3. I can't drive Susan's car while she is
out of town next week.
3. I can drive Susan's car while
she is out of town next week.
Can I have a glass of water? Can't I have a glass of water? could,
may
can  Can you give me a lift to school? Can't you give me a lift to school?
request
Requests usually refer to the Requests usually refer to the near
near future. future.
Anyone can become rich and It can't cost more than a dollar or two. could
famous if they know the right
people. You can't be 45! I thought you were
can  about 18 years old.
possibility, Learning a language can be a real
impossibility challenge. This use is usually a generalization or
a supposition.
This use is usually a
generalization or a supposition.

2 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

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 use:

Modal Use
1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future
could  1. John could be the one who stole the 1. Mary couldn't be the one who stole the might, 
possibility money. money. may
 2. John could have been the one who 2. Mary couldn't have been the one who stole
stole the money. the money.

3. John could go to jail for stealing the 3. Mary couldn't possibly go to jail for the
money.  crime.
1. If I had more time, I could travel 1. Even if I had more time, I couldn't travel
around the world. around the world.
could 
2. If I had had more time, I could have 2. Even if I had had more time, I couldn't have
conditional 
traveled around the world. traveled around the world.
of can
3. If I had more time this winter, I 3. Even if I had more time this winter, I
could travel around the world. couldn't travel around the world.
1. NO PRESENT FORM  NO NEGATIVE FORMS

2. You could have spent your vacation

could 
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 I couldn't speak Swahili.

kid.
could  "Could" can be used in negative sentences in
past ability "Could" cannot be used in positive which you describe a momentary or one-time
sentences in which you describe a ability.
momentary or one-time ability.
Yesterday, I couldn't lift the couch by
Yesterday, I could lift the couch by myself. Correct
myself. Not Correct
Could I have something to drink? Couldn't he come with us? can, 
may, 
could  might
Could I borrow your stapler? Couldn't you help me with this for just a
polite
second?
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.
 3 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

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

1. She has to read four books for
this literature class.
2. She had to finish the first book
have to  before the midterm.
necessit
y 3. She will have to finish the other
books before the final exam.
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.
3. NONE
1. She doesn't have to read "Grapes of must
Wrath." It's optional reading for 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.

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.
 4 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

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

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

OR "OUGHT TO"  TO"  ought to
People should unplug People shouldn't clean toasters without
toasters before they unplugging them first.
clean them.
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD HAVE" OR
2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD "OUGHT
had better  HAVE" OR "OUGHT TO
recommendatio HAVE"  TO HAVE" 
n You should have You shouldn't have cleaned the toaster
unplugged the toaster
before you tried to clean without unplugging it first.
it.
3. You had better not clean the toaster
3. You had better unplug until
the toaster before you
try to clean it. you unplug it.

The movie had better They had better not be late.

end soon.
They had better not forget Tom's
had better  They had better be here birthday gift.
desperate hope, before we start dinner.
warning Desperate hopes and warnings usually
Desperate hopes and refer
warnings usually refer to
the near future. to the near future.
"Had better" is often simply pronounced as "better" in spoken English.

5 Have Got To
f t g+ p"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 "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   1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future
3. = Future

1. People have got to be 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"  have to, 

on time if they want to People don't have to be there on time to must
get a seat in the crowded get a seat.
theater.
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
2. SHIFT TO "HAVE You didn't have to be there on time to get
TO"  a seat.
have got to 
You had to be on time if
necessity
you wanted to get a seat 3. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
in the crowded theater. You won't have to be there on time to get
a seat.
3. You have got to be
there on time tonight if
you want 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  have to
future Haven't you got to finish that project
obligation today?

"Haven't got to" is primarily used to ask

about

future obligations. It can be used in

 statements, but

this is less common.

6 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")

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. = use:
Past   3. = Future

1. Margaret ought to exercise more. 1. Margaret ought not should

exercise too much. It
2. Margaret ought to have exercised more so might cause injury.
she would be better prepared for the marathon.
2. Margaret ought not
3. Margaret ought to come to the fitness center have run the
ought to  with us tonight. marathon. She wasn't
recommendation, advice in good shape.

3. Margaret ought not

stay at home in front
of the TV. She should
go to the fitness center
with us.

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

7 Mustftg +p

"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

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. = 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = Future use:
Future
1. That must be Jerry. They said 1. That must not be Jerry. He is have to
he was tall with bright red hair. supposed to have red hair.

2. That must have been the 2. That must not have been the
must 
right restaurant. There are no right restaurant. I guess there is
certainty
other restaurants on this street. another one around here
somewhere.
3. NO FUTURE FORM
3. NO FUTURE FORM
must not    You must not swim in that river.
 It's full of crocodiles.

You must not forget to take your

malaria medication while your are
prohibition
in the tropics.

Prohibition usually refer to the

near future.
1. You must take some time off 1. You mustn't drink so much. It's should
must  and get some rest. not good for your health.
strong 
recommendatio 2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"  2. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" 
n You should have taken some You shouldn't have drunk so
time off last week to get some much. That caused the accident.
(Americans  rest. 
prefer  3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD" 
the form  3. SHIFT TO "SHOULD"  You shouldn't drink at the party.
"should.") You should take some time off You are going to be the designated
next week to get some rest.  driver.
1. You must have a permit to 1. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO"  have to
enter the national park. We don't have to get a permit to
must  enter the national park.
necessity 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
We had to have a permit to 2. SHIFT TO "HAVE TO" 
(Americans  enter the park. We didn't have to get a permit to
prefer  enter the national park.
the form  3. We must get a permit to
"have to.") enter the park next week.  3. SHIFT 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.

9 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
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 1. Sarah shouldn't ought to
eat low-fat foods. smoke so much. It's not
good for her health.
2. Frank should have eaten low-fat
foods. That might have prevented his 2. Sarah shouldn't have
heart attack. smoked so much.
should  That's what caused her
recommendation, 3. You really should start eating health problems.
advisability 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 be
FORMS supposed
We should return the video before the to
video rental store closes.
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.
1. Susan should be in New York by 1. Susan shouldn't be in ought to, 
now.  New York yet. be
supposed
2. Susan should have arrived in New 2. Susan shouldn't have to
should  York last week. Let's call her and see arrived in New York
expectation what she is up to. until yesterday.

3. Susan should be in New York by 3. Susan shouldn't

next week. Her new job starts on arrive in New York
Monday. until next week.

8 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

More Examples of "Shall"

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also
Modal Use
use:

I shall be replaced by I shall not be replaced after all. will

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

Shall we begin dinner?   should

shall
suggestions Shall we move into the living
room?

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

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

10 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

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

1. Jack may be upset. I 1. Jack may not be upset. Perhaps might

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

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

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

ALLOWED TO"  You were not allowed to leave the
You were allowed to table
may
leave the table after you
give permission
finished your dinner. because you hadn't finished your
dinner.
3. You may leave the
table when you finish 3. You may not leave the table until
your dinner. you are

finished with your dinner. 

May I borrow your NO NEGATIVE FORMS can, 

eraser? might
may
request May I make a phone call?
permission
Requests usually refer to
the near future.
 11 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

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. = use:
Future
1. She might be on the bus. I think her 1. She might not be on the bus. could, 
car is having problems. She might be walking home. may

2. She might have taken the bus. I'm
might 
not sure how she got to work.
possibility
3. She might take the bus to get home.
I don't think Bill will be able to give 3. She might not take the bus.
her a ride.
1. If I entered the contest, I might
actually win.
2. She might not have taken
the bus. She might have walked
home.
She might get a ride from Bill.
1. Even if I entered the contest,
I might not win.

might  2. If I had entered the contest, I might 2. Even if I had entered the
conditional actually have won. contest, I might not have won.
of may
3. If I entered the contest tomorrow, I 3. Even if I entered the contest
might actually win. Unfortunately, I tomorrow, I might not win.
can't enter it.
1. NO PRESENT FORM 1. NO PRESENT FORM could

2. You might have tried the cheese 2. PAST FORM UNCOMMON

might 
cake.
suggestion
3. You might not want to eat
3. You might try the cheesecake. the cheese cake. It's very
calorific.
might  Might I have something to drink?  NEGATIVE FORMS could, 
request UNCOMMON 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.

12 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. For more information on the grammar behind
the modal verb "would," look for following tutorials on the web: Conditional Tutorial, Future in the Past,
and Would Always.

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

Using "Would" in Present, Past, and Future

Positive Forms Negative Forms Also
Modal Use 1. = Present   2. = Past   3. = 1. = Present   2. = Past   use:
Future 3. = Future

1. If I were president, I would 1. If I were president, I would

cut the cost of education. not raise taxes.

2. If I had been president, I 2. If I had been president, I

would have cut the cost of would not have
would  education.
conditional raised taxes.
3. If I were elected president
next year, I would cut the cost 3. If I were president, I would
of education. not sign the

tax increase next week.

 I said I would help you. I said I wouldn't help you.
would 
past of "will" He told me he would be here He told me he would not be
before 8:00. here before 8:00.

When I was a kid, I would When I was a kid, I wouldn't go used

always go to the beach. into the water to
by myself.
would 
When he was young, he
repetition in
would always do his When he got older, he would
past
homework. never do his

homework.

Modal Verbs Exercise 1

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.

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 awhile 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? be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

Modal Verbs Exercise 2

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.

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. Don't forget to capitalize when necessary. Some gaps may have
more than one correct 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. Don't forget to capitalize when necessary. Some gaps may have
more than one correct answer.

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 awhile while 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. Don't forget to capitalize when necessary. Some gaps may have
more than one correct answer.

Could Should Might 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?

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Modal Final Test

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