Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
1. She ……………………… struggle to feed such a large family.
Correct!
Wrong!
Must can show logical possibility.
2. With favorable winds, a sailing ship ……………………… outperform a steamship.
Correct!
Wrong!
Can shows ability; may shows possibility.
3. It ……………………… be wise to confess your fault.
Correct!
Wrong!
4. …………………….. you feel your way in the dark?
Correct!
Wrong!
Can shows ability.
5. The ambassador ……………………. throw a party for the visiting dignitaries.
Correct!
Wrong!
Will shows certainty.
6. We ……………………. see the top of the hill in the thick mist.
Correct!
Wrong!
Couldn't shows past inability.
7. This picture …………………… look better in a black frame.
Correct!
Wrong!
8. Cover your cough so you ……………………. spread germs.
Correct!
Wrong!
9. A gentleman ……………………… never use such language.
Correct!
Wrong!
10. The goblins ………………………… get you if you don’t watch out.
Correct!
Wrong!
11. You ……………………. get a spanking when your father comes home.
Correct!
Wrong!
Will shows certainty.
12. What ……………………. I give you for your birthday?
Correct!
Wrong!
Answers
- She must struggle to feed such a large family.
- With favorable winds, a sailing ship can outperform a steamship.
- It would be wise to confess your fault.
- Can you feel your way in the dark?
- The ambassador will throw a party for the visiting dignitaries.
- We couldn’t see the top of the hill in the thick mist.
- This picture would look better in a black frame.
- Cover your cough so you won’t spread germs.
- A gentleman would never use such language.
- The goblins will get you if you don’t watch out.
- You will get a spanking when your father comes home.
- What can I give you for your birthday?
