Complete the following sentences using appropriate modal auxiliary verbs. Each question is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.
1I ............... be happy to meet Robinson.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"Will" and "shall" can both be used with "I" to talk about a future feeling.
2............... he play for our team?
Wrong!
"Will" is used to ask about a future action.
3............... I win a prize if I come first in the examination?
Wrong!
"Will" is used to ask about a future result in this condition.
4I ............... beat him.
Wrong!
"Could" expresses possible ability here.
5Watch and pray lest you ............... fall into temptation.
Wrong!
"Should" is used after "lest" in this formal warning structure.
6The old man ............... recline in a corner and sleep most of the time.
Wrong!
"Would" can describe a repeated habit in the past.
7I ............... rather read a novel than watch that stupid movie.
Wrong!
"Would" is used in the expression "would rather" to show preference.
8............... you mind lending me your pen for a minute?
Wrong!
"Would" is used in the polite request "Would you mind...?".
9Until last year, I ............... read without glasses.
Wrong!
"Could" describes ability in the past.
10If I could fly like a bird, I ............... be with you now.
Wrong!
"Would" is used in the main clause of this unreal conditional.
Answers
- I will / shall be happy to meet Robinson.
- Will he play for our team?
- Will I win a prize if I come first in the examination?
- I could beat him.
- Watch and pray lest you should fall into temptation.
- The old man would recline in a corner and sleep most of the time.
- I would rather read a novel than watch that stupid movie.
- Would you mind lending me your pen for a minute?
- Until last year, I could read without glasses.
- If I could fly like a bird, I would be with you now.
