Complete the following sentences using appropriate modal auxiliary verbs. Each question is followed by three suggested answers. Choose the most appropriate one.
1. I ……………………… be happy to meet Robinson.
a) will
b) shall
c) Either could be used here
2. ………………… he play for our team?
a) Will
b) Shall
c) Either could be used here
3. …………………… I get a prize if I stand first in the examination?
a) Will
b) Would
c) Should
4. I …………………. be able to beat him. (Express possibility)
a) would
b) should
c) could
5. Watch and pray lest you …………………. fall into temptation.
a) should
b) would
c) could
6. The old man ………………… recline in a corner and sleep most of the time. (Express a habitual action in the past)
a) should
b) would
c) could
7. I ………………… rather read a novel than watch that stupid movie.
a) would
b) should
c) might
8. …………………… you mind lending me your pen for a minute?
a) Should
b) Would
c) Could
9. Till last year, I ………………. read without glasses.
a) would
b) should
c) could
10. If I ……………….. fly like a bird, I …………………. be with you now.
a) would, would
c) could, would
c) could, will
c) can, would
Answers
1. I will / shall be happy to meet Robinson.
2. Will he play for our team?
3. Will I get a prize if I stand first in the examination?
4. I should be able to beat him.
5. Watch and pray lest you should fall into temptation.
6. The old man would recline in a corner and sleep most of the time.
7. I would rather read a novel than watch that stupid movie.
8. Would you mind lending me your pen for a minute?
9. Till last year, I could read without glasses.
10. If I could fly like a bird, I would be with you now.
