This grammar exercise tests your ability to use modal auxiliaries correctly. Fill in the blanks.
1She ............... have gone to work, but I am not sure.
Wrong!
Use "may" to show that something is possible but not certain.
2You ............... be right; I don't know.
Wrong!
Use "may" to show that something is possibly true.
3............... I borrow your camera?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Can" or "May" to ask for permission.
4............... you move a bit?
Wrong!
Use "Can" to make a simple request.
5............... I come in, teacher?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "May" or "Can" to ask for permission.
6She ............... read when she was just three.
Wrong!
Use "could" for general ability in the past.
7It is impossible. They ............... have lost their way.
Wrong!
Use "can't" to say that something is impossible or very unlikely.
8You ............... go after you have finished your work.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "may" or "can" to give permission.
9What ............... you do if she doesn't recognize you?
Wrong!
Use "will" to ask about a future action in a real condition with "if" + present simple.
10............... you translate this article into German?
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Can" or "Could" to make a request about ability or help.
11Who ............... it be?
Wrong!
Use "can" in this question to ask about possibility.
12You ............... smoke in the kitchen; it is against the rules.
Wrong!
Use "cannot" to say that something is not allowed.
Answers
- She may have gone to work, but I am not sure.
- You may be right; I don’t know.
- Can / May I borrow your camera?
- Can you move a bit?
- May / Can I come in, teacher?
- She could read when she was just three.
- It is impossible. They can’t have lost their way.
- You may / can go after you have finished your work.
- What will you do if she doesn’t recognize you?
- Can / Could you translate this article into German?
- Who can it be?
- You cannot smoke in the kitchen; it is against the rules.