Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
1. I ate as much as I …………………………
We use could to show past ability.
2. She ………………………… walk when she was just eight months old.
We use could to show past ability.
3. Shyam ……………………………… write with both hands. (present ability)
Can is used to talk about present ability.
4. She is confident that she ………………………….. get the job.
Will shows simple futurity. It is used to predict future.
5. He was sacked because he ……………………………. not meet the targets.
Please select 2 correct answers
Either could or would can be used here with different meanings. Could not shows inability. Would not shows reluctance.
6. She said that she ………………………….. come but she didn’t.
Would is the past tense of will in indirect speech.
7. If I had more money, I ……………………………….. build a home.
Either could be used here with slightly different meanings.
8. If I were you, I …………………………… pay 2000 bucks for that used car.
Would not shows refusal. Could not shows inability.
9. You ………………………….. visit me whenever you want.
Can is used to make a request, to ask for permission or to express ability to do something.
10. Who ……………………………. pay for the drinks?
Will is used to predict something, to express willingness or to announce a spontaneous decision. Can shows ability.
11. ………………………… you mind closing the door?
Would is used in polite requests.
12. I wanted to scream but I …………………………….
Answers
1. I ate as much as I could.
2. She could walk when she was just eight months old.
3. Shyam can write with both hands.
4. She is confident that she will get the job.
5. He was sacked because he could/ would not meet the target.
6. She said that she would come but she didn’t.
7. If I had more money, I would / could build a home.
8. If I were you, I wouldn’t pay 2000 bucks for that used car.
9. You can visit me whenever you want.
10. Who will / can pay for the drinks?
11. Would you mind closing the door?
12. I wanted to scream but I couldn’t.
