Modal Verbs in English Grammar are auxiliary verbs which express necessity, possibility, permission or ability. Examples are can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should and must. These verbs can modify other verbs to express these conditions or states. Being able to use these words correctly is an essential part of mastering English vocabulary and grammar.
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences with an appropriate modal verb.
1) I *can* play the guitar very well. (can)
2) She *might* come to the party tomorrow. (might)
3) We *must* finish this project by next week. (must)
4) You *should* listen to your parents more often. (should)
5) Sam *could* solve the puzzle in no time. (could)
6) They *will* visit their grandparents next month. (will)
7) *May* I borrow your pen? (may)
8) *Would* you mind if I join your group? (would)
9) The teacher said we *shall* submit our assignments by today. (shall)
10) Jack *can’t* swim so he avoids water excursions. (can’t)
11) She *shouldn’t* skip meals if she wants to stay healthy. (shouldn’t)
12) We *mustn’t* forget to call our parents once in a while. (mustn’t)
13) The train *might not* arrive on time due to the bad weather. (might not)
14) The kids *won’t* stop playing unless they are told to do so. (won’t)
15) He *wouldn’t* have made such a mistake if he had been careful. (wouldn’t)
2) She *might* come to the party tomorrow. (might)
3) We *must* finish this project by next week. (must)
4) You *should* listen to your parents more often. (should)
5) Sam *could* solve the puzzle in no time. (could)
6) They *will* visit their grandparents next month. (will)
7) *May* I borrow your pen? (may)
8) *Would* you mind if I join your group? (would)
9) The teacher said we *shall* submit our assignments by today. (shall)
10) Jack *can’t* swim so he avoids water excursions. (can’t)
11) She *shouldn’t* skip meals if she wants to stay healthy. (shouldn’t)
12) We *mustn’t* forget to call our parents once in a while. (mustn’t)
13) The train *might not* arrive on time due to the bad weather. (might not)
14) The kids *won’t* stop playing unless they are told to do so. (won’t)
15) He *wouldn’t* have made such a mistake if he had been careful. (wouldn’t)
Exercise 2: Choose the correct modal verb for the following sentences.
1) You *must* take your shoes off before entering the house. (must)
2) They *can* manage the project on their own. (can)
3) He *might* be the right person for the job. (might)
4) We *will* plan a surprise for her. (will)
5) She *should* not worry too much about it. (should)
6) They *could* go for a movie this evening. (could)
7) *May* I know your name? (may)
8) *Would* you like to have coffee with me? (would)
9) He *shall* have his revenge. (shall)
10) You *mustn’t* disturb her while she is studying. (mustn’t)
11) *Won’t* you come to my party? (won’t)
12) I *won’t* be able to make it to the concert. (won’t)
13) You *shouldn’t* disclose this news to anyone. (shouldn’t)
14) We *can’t* accept this proposal at this time. (can’t)
15) Mary *might not* be able to attend the party. (might not)
2) They *can* manage the project on their own. (can)
3) He *might* be the right person for the job. (might)
4) We *will* plan a surprise for her. (will)
5) She *should* not worry too much about it. (should)
6) They *could* go for a movie this evening. (could)
7) *May* I know your name? (may)
8) *Would* you like to have coffee with me? (would)
9) He *shall* have his revenge. (shall)
10) You *mustn’t* disturb her while she is studying. (mustn’t)
11) *Won’t* you come to my party? (won’t)
12) I *won’t* be able to make it to the concert. (won’t)
13) You *shouldn’t* disclose this news to anyone. (shouldn’t)
14) We *can’t* accept this proposal at this time. (can’t)
15) Mary *might not* be able to attend the party. (might not)
