1 BACHILLERATO: MODAL VERBS

Grammar

1 Choose the correct answer.

1. The doctor says I might / must get more exercise.

2. You look great in brown. You should / can wear it more often.

3. His arm is broken, so he isnt able to / may not write.

4. Tomorrow is a holiday, so we mustnt / dont have to get up early.

5. When you are on a diet, you ought to / could drink a lot of water.

6. He stopped the car so he should / could rest for a while.

2. Complete the sentences with the modals below.

may must cant could should

1. You come to us for dinner. I wont accept no for an answer.

2. I have a piece of cake, please?

3. He reach it. Hes not tall enough.

4. You always brush your teeth before you go to sleep.

5. I make people laugh when I was young.

3. Choose the correct answer.

1. The restaurant isnt as busy as I expected. We mustnt have / might not have / neednt
have reserved a table.

2. Jay looks happy. He could have / must have / ought to have passed his driving test.

3. Im so tired this morning. I couldnt have / neednt have / shouldnt have gone to bed so
late.

4. You could have / must have / may have called to tell us you were coming.

4. Complete the sentences with the correct affirmative or negative modal perfect form of the
verbs in brackets. There may be more than one possible answer.

1. Why didnt you write?

You (send) an e-mail or an SMS.

2. You missed a great film last night.

You (come) with us.

3. Its only nine oclock.

 They (go) to bed yet.

4. My dictionary isnt in my bag.

I (leave) it at home.

5. The train wont be here for ages.

We (get) here so early.

5. Choose the correct answer.

1. Danny is clever. He could read / could have read when he was five.

2. We must have remembered / must remember to buy drinks for the party tonight.

3. You shouldnt buy / shouldnt have bought that gift. It was much too expensive.

4. That boy plays the piano really well. He might become / might have become a professional
pianist one day.

5. I found the book easily. You couldnt look / couldnt have looked very hard for it.

6. The dog must eat / must have eaten the steak because no one else was at home.

6. Choose the most appropriate modal

1. I think your thumb is broken. You go to the emergency room.

a. might b. could c. ought to d. can

2. If you are interested in losing weight, you ........ try this new diet.

a. could b. mustn't c. had to d. have got to

3. Johnnie's fallen down the stairs! ............ I call an ambulance?

a. Should b. Can c. May d. Ought

4. I can feel the heat, we .. be near the fire.

a. can b. would c. must d. have to

5.You ................... come too early. We won't leave until nine o'clock.

a. has to b. must c. needn't d. can't

6. The train was badly damaged in the crash, but the passengers . get out through a
broken window.

a. can b. had to c. ought to d. were able to

7. Children . Be accompanied by an adult at the zoo.

a. ought b. must c. would d. mustnt

8. You .. talk during the exam. Its forbidden

a. dont have to b. mustnt c. couldnt d. ought to

9. They hear him because he was whispering.

a. wouldnt b. mustnt c. shouldnt d. couldnt

10. .. you like to have dinner with me tonight?

a. could b. may c. should d. would

11. You . let him hear about the party tomorrow. Its a surprise!

a. mustnt b. wouldnt c. couldnt d. cant

12. . I speak to the Chief of Police, please?

a. Must b. may c. would d. am

13. I crashed into a wall, but luckily I .. force open the car door and escape.

a. had to b. can c. was able to d. would

7. Rewrite the following sentences using modals. Do not change the meaning of the original
sentences. There may be more than one correct answer.

1. If you want my advice, get a good lawyer

You should get a good lawyer

2. A university degree isnt necessary for that job.

3. He can only leave work at ten oclock tonight (able)

4. Perhaps my father will pick you up.

5. It isnt necessary to make an appointment at the hairdressers

6. Eating is forbidden in class.

7. The boss allows the workers to have one afternoon off a week.

The workers
8. Dont take the CD without asking permission.

You

9. My car needs cleaning. Ill take it tomorrow (must)

10. Do you want to go to St. Moritz this winter? (like)

11. She hasnt phoned. Perhaps she is abroad (may)

12. Perhaps Mike will be busy to see us (be)

13. I expect her to pass her driving test. She drives well.

14. I suggest you go and see a doctor.