In English, we can express a lot of ideas using modal auxiliary verbs.
The modal auxiliary verbs are: will, would, can, could, may, might, must, ought to, need, used to and dare.
They express ideas such as possibility, permission, prohibition, obligation, necessity, duty, willingness etc.
Rewrite the following sentences using modal auxiliary verbs. Make sure that the meaning does not change.
1. It is not necessary for you to wait any longer. / You ..................... not wait any longer.
2. You are required to respect the national flag. / You ........................ respect the national flag.
3. She was able to read when she was three. / She .................. write when she was three.
4. I was able to solve the problem. / I ................................. solve the problem.
5. Perhaps she would come. / She ......................... come.
6. You are prohibited from entering my home. / You ....................... enter my house.
7. You are allowed to go home. / You ..................... go home.
8. She is able to speak English. / She ....................... speak English.
9. It is possible to blow glass. / Glass ......................... be blown.
10. It is not necessary for her to pay for that call. / She .................... pay for that call.
11. It is possible for wars to break out at any time. / Wars .......................... break out at any time.
12. I prefer to stay at home instead of going to the club. / I .......................... rather stay at home than go to the club.
Answers
1. You need not wait any longer.
2. You must respect the national flag.
3. She could read when she was three.
4. I could solve the problem.
5. She might come.
6. You must not enter my home.
7. You may go home.
8. She can speak English.
9. Glass can be blown.
10. She need not pay for that call.
11. Wars can break out at any time.
12. I would rather stay at home than go to the club.
