Self-correcting exercises

Exercise 2

Say if the following statements about the modal verbs are true (V) or false (F):

NúmPreguntaVF
1

The modal verbs are very much like auxiliary verbs.

2

The third person singular of the present simple adds -s.

3

The modal verbs cannot be used in all the verb tenses.

4

The modal verbs have no sense without a verb in the infinitive.

5

The modal verbs have no continuous forms.

6

As with all the verbs, the negative and the interrogative are formed with the auxiliary do.

7

The modal verbs must be accompanied by an infinitive with to.

8

All the modal verbs refer to the past.


Check the correct statements by clicking on the button ‘Mostra’

2. The third person singular of the present simple never adds -s.
6. The negative and the interrogative are formed by adding not and by inverting the order S+V, respectively.
7. The modal verbs must be accompanied by an infinitive without to (base form).
8. Only could and the forms with have refer to past actions. The modal verbs generally refer to the present or future.

Exercise 3

Choose the correct use for each modal verb:

NúmPreguntaResposta
1

Can:

2

Could:

3

Must:

4

Mustn’t:

5

Should:

6

May:

7

Might:

8

Will:

9

Would:

Exercise 4

Choose the correct modal verb (can or could) in each sentence. Choose can/could where both options are correct.

NúmPregunta
1

you work until so late well when you were a teenager?

2

I need some help with this letter. I understand the meaning.

3

you translate these words for me please?

4

Norma speak French quite well so she’ll help you when you go to Paris.

5

We tried to speak to Mr Harris last night, but we contact him.

6

I speak to you for a moment?


Now say the use of the modal verb in each sentence.

  1. Past ability
  2. Present ability (in negative)
  3. Making a request: can: informal; could: formal. The subject must be you.
  4. Present ability
  5. Past ability (in negative)
  6. Asking permission: can: informal; could: formal. The subject must be I.

Exercise 5

Say which modal verb (must or should) is more appropriate in the following sentences.

NúmPregunta
1

The new regulation states that we smoke within the company’s premises, so we’ll have to go out into the street.

2

I think I wait a little longer, but I’m not sure. What do you say?

3

Remember that you turned off your mobile phones and other electrical devices during the flight.

4

You work so hard. Relax a little!

5

We shake hands when we are introduced to someone in England.

6

I need your advice. What I do?


Now say the use of the modal verbs in each sentence.

  1. Prohibition (=negative obligation)
  2. Moral obligation
  3. Obligation (stated by the regulations)
  4. Giving advice (negative)
  5. Obligation (stated by the social rules)
  6. Asking for advice

Note:

  • In general, the modal verb must describes a strong obligation (either because it is established by the law or because we feel it is very important) and should describes a moral obligation, something that we feel that we must do, but is no obligation.
  • Sometimes, the use of one verb or the other depends on the point of view of the speaker: in sentence 4, for example, we can also say: You mustn’t work so hard. Relax a little!

Exercise 6

Say which modal verb (may or might) is more appropriate in each sentence. Choose may/might where both are equally appropriate in the context.

NúmPregunta
1

This be more difficult than we expected.

2

I’m sure he won’t pick up the phone, but you try anyway.

3

I know it’s very hard, but we do it. Why not?

4

I come in?

5

It be cold in Prague. Take some warm clothes.

6

You sit down now.


Now say what the modal verbs express in each sentence.

  1. Possibility
  2. Remote possibility
  3. Possibility
  4. Asking for permission (formal). The subject must be I.
  5. Possibility
  6. Giving permission (formal). The subject must be you.

Notes:

  • Both modal verbs can express possibility. The difference is that with may we indicate a high probability and with might we indicate that there is little probability that something happens. It depends on the context.
  • In sentence 2, the situation indicates that the possibility is remote, so we should use might rather than may.
  • When asking for and giving permission, might is hardly used. We use may instead, but the most common forms are with can and could.

Exercise 7

Choose the correct modal verb (will or would) to complete the sentences below.

NúmPregunta
1

I’m sure you find a job sooner or later.

2

If I were you, I try to find a job in another country.

3

you like a cup of coffee?

4

I come today because I’ve got nothing to do here.

5

If you work until so late at night, you surely feel sleepy in the morning.

6

I like to be in your situation. It’s too stressing!


Now say which use the modal verbs have in each sentence.

  1. Future simple
  2. Second conditional
  3. Making an invitation
  4. Future simple (negative)
  5. First conditional
  6. Hypothetical situation

Exercise 8

Fill in the sentences with the correct verbal forms (must have, should have, don’t have or didn’t have).

NúmPregunta
1

This light is on! Someone been here after we left last night.

2

You may come to work this evening if you want, but you to.

3

I to say anything last night because nobody spoke my language.

4

You called me before. Now I can’t do anything for you.

5

Mr Arnold knows what has happened. Someone told him.

6

You to do it if you don’t feel like it.


Now say the meanings of the verb forms in each sentence.

  1. Certainty that something happened
  2. Lack of obligation (in the future)
  3. Lack of obligation (in the past)
  4. Action in the past that wasn’t done
  5. Certainty that something happened
  6. Lack of obligation (in the present or future)

Notes:

  • The forms must have and should have must be followed by a verb in the past participle.
  • The forms don’t have and didn’t have must be followed by to+infinitive.

Exercise 9

Choose the correct modal verb to complete these sentences.

NúmPreguntaResposta
1

I … open the door. It’s locked!.

2

I think you … think twice before doing anything.

3

The management says that we … be punctual or we’ll be fired.

4

I lost my keys so I … get into my house.

5

It … rain hard tonight. Take an umbrella just in case.

6

If you prefer, I … do it for you.

7

We … gone home earlier last night.

8

Where … you like to go if you had time and money?

Exercise 6

Find the word that corresponds to each definition:

NúmPreguntaResposta
1

The name of the British currency.

2

A person who lays out money or capital in an enterprise.

3

The place where the products coming from another country are examined, usually for taxation purposes.

4

A piece of metal issued by a government as money.

5

The money in circulation in a specific country.

6

The ratio at which a unit of currency is exchanged for that of another country.

7

A foreign country which has a low rate of taxation or no taxation at all.

8

Money in the form of coins or banknotes.

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