Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs
I
You
He
She Modal Verb Infinitive
It (can /should, (without
We etc.) TO)
They
How do we use modals?
S M V
Subje Verb
ct
Example: Mary can play the piano
-they are not conjugated
- they don’t need other auxiliary verbs
Form
There is no “s” in singular
There is no “do / does” in the
question
There is no “don’t / doesn’t” in the
He can ski not He cans ski or He can skis.
negative
Would you like to come with me?
Do you would like to come with me?
They can’t be serious.
They don’t can be serious.
Form
Modal verbs do not have infinitives or –
ing forms
15. a
Practice
1. My son ___ be home by now. Where can he be?
a. Have to b. Would c. Should d. Could
2. I think your thumb is broken. You ___ go to the emergency room.
a. Might b. could c. ought to d. can
3. If you are interested in losing weight, you ______ try this new diet.
a. Could b. mustn’t c. don’t have to d. had to
4. Johnnie’s fallen down the stairs! I ________ call an ambulance!
a. Will b. might c. may d. ought to
5. You _______ come too early. We won’t leave until 9 o’clock.
a. Has tob. must c. needn’t d. can’t
Practice
6. Children ________ be accompanied by an adult at the zoo.
a. Ought to b. must c. would d. mustn’t
7. You _________ talk during tests. It’s forbidden!
a. don’t have to b. mustn’t c. couldn’t d. ought to
8. I can feel the heat. We _________ be near the fire.
a. Can b. wouldc. must d. have to
9. They ________ hear him because he was whispering.
a. Wouldn’t b. mustn’t c. shouldn’t d. couldn’t
10. You’ve never heard of Britney Spears! You ________ be serious!
a. Must b. had to c. can’t d. shouldn’t
Practice
11. __________ you like to have dinner with me tonight?
a. Could b. may c. should d. would
12. You _________ let him hear about the party tomorrow. It’s a
surprise!
a. mustn’t b. wouldn’t c. couldn’t d. can
13. __________ I speak to the Chief of Police, please?
a. Must b. May c. Would d. Need
14. He has arrived late. He _______ missed the bus
a. Must have b. Should have c. Could have d. must
More practice
Re-write the following sentences using modals so that they have the
same meaning.
1. I suggest that you get a good lawyer!
should get a lawyer
You ___________________________________________
2. A university degree isn’t necessary for that job.
needn’t have a university degree for that job
You ___________________________________________
3. She can speak 3 languages! / She is able to play the piano and the violin
4. I might stop working / I may buy a new car / I can travel to New York
6. Can I borrow your car, please? or May I borrow your car, please?
ONLINE EXERCISE ON MODALS