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 tomorrow?
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 if I wanted to, but I'd rather let him win.
Wrong!
"Could" expresses ability in this hypothetical situation: I am able to beat him if I want to.
5Watch and pray lest you ............... fall into temptation.
Wrong!
"Should" is used after "lest" in this formal warning structure.
6In his last years, the old man ............... recline in a corner and sleep most of the time.
Wrong!
"Would" can describe a repeated habit in the past, here "in his last years".
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.
Exercise complete
0 out of 10
correct answers
Answers
- I will / shall be happy to meet Robinson.
- Will he play for our team tomorrow?
- Will I win a prize if I come first in the examination?
- I could beat him if I wanted to, but I’d rather let him win.
- Watch and pray lest you should fall into temptation.
- In his last years, 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.