Complete the following sentences using appropriate modal auxiliary verbs.
1Don't call them now. They ............... have gone out.
Wrong!
Use "may" to show a present possibility about something that has already happened.
2"Could I ask you something?" "Yes, of course you ..............."
Wrong!
In the reply, "can" gives permission in the present.
3"Where is Sarah?" "She ............... have gone swimming."
Wrong!
Use "could" to give a possible explanation for Sarah's absence.
4............... you smoke in public spaces?
Wrong!
Use "Can" to ask whether something is allowed.
5My parents gave me permission, so yesterday evening I ............... watch TV for an hour.
Wrong!
Use "was allowed to" for permission on one particular past occasion.
6We haven't decided yet, but we ............... go camping this summer.
Wrong!
Use "may" to show a future possibility; "haven't decided yet" shows that it is not certain.
7The sign says "Danger." You ............... enter this area.
Wrong!
Use "must not" to say that something is prohibited.
8............... you have some more potatoes?
Wrong!
Use "Will" in this polite offer of more food.
9British people ............... get a visa to go to Scotland.
Wrong!
Use "don't need to" to say that something is not necessary.
10I couldn't think properly during the exam. I ............... ill.
Wrong!
Use "may have been" to show a possibility about a past state.
Exercise complete
0 out of 10
correct answers
Answers
- Don’t call them now. They may have gone out.
- “Could I ask you something?” “Yes, of course you can.”
- “Where is Sarah?” “She could have gone swimming.”
- Can you smoke in public spaces?
- My parents gave me permission, so yesterday evening I was allowed to watch TV for an hour.
- We haven’t decided yet, but we may go camping this summer.
- The sign says “Danger.” You must not enter this area.
- Will you have some more potatoes?
- British people don’t need to get a visa to go to Scotland.
- I couldn’t think properly during the exam. I may have been ill.