• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Auxiliary verbs exercise

December 26, 2014 A2pdf

Complete the following sentences using an appropriate auxiliary verb.

Progress 0 of 10 answered
1The police officer warned the crowd that he ............... order the police to shoot if they caused trouble.
Wrong!
In reported speech, "will" usually changes to "would" after a past reporting verb.
2Passengers ............... not smoke inside the bus.
Wrong!
"Must" expresses a strong rule or obligation in this sentence; "must not" expresses prohibition.
3............... I have a word with you?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"Can" and "May" are both possible for asking permission, though "May" is more formal.
4Parents ............... not accompany their children into the school building.
Wrong!
"Must" with "not" expresses prohibition.
5There was a time when I ............... stay up late, but these days I go to bed early.
Wrong!
"Used to" describes a past habit that is no longer true.
6The principal said that candidates without hall tickets ............... not be permitted inside the examination hall.
Wrong!
In reported speech, "will not" usually changes to "would not" after a past reporting verb.
7You ............... tell me. I know everything.
Wrong!
"Need not" means that something is not necessary.
8There were no seats left, so even if he had come a little earlier, he ............... have got a seat in the front row.
Wrong!
"Would not" is used in this third conditional result clause.
9............... I tell you what happened?
Wrong!
"Shall" is used with "I" to offer or suggest doing something.
10"How ............... he leave the office earlier without my permission?" asked the manager.
Wrong!
"Could" expresses surprise or disbelief about how someone was able to do something.

Exercise complete

0/ out of 10 correct answers
Challenge a friend
More Exercises →

Answers

  1. The police officer warned the crowd that he would order the police to shoot if they caused trouble.
  2. Passengers must not smoke inside the bus.
  3. Can / May I have a word with you?
  4. Parents must not accompany their children into the school building.
  5. There was a time when I used to stay up late, but these days I go to bed early.
  6. The principal said that candidates without hall tickets would not be permitted inside the examination hall.
  7. You need not tell me. I know everything.
  8. There were no seats left, so even if he had come a little earlier, he would not have got a seat in the front row.
  9. Shall I tell you what happened?
  10. “How could he leave the office earlier without my permission?” asked the manager.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 10 modules, 112 lessons and 730 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)

Related lesson in the course Be, have and do: main verbs and helpers Module 01: Sentence foundations · Lesson 3

Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Quoted” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Fairness” October 26, 2026
  • Grub, chow, food, fare, cuisine, and gastronomy: how to choose October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Conversational” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Gym October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Superficial” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Quit” October 26, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Extraordinary” October 26, 2026
  • There Was and There Were Exercise October 26, 2026
  • Mixed Classroom Language Exercise October 26, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap