This grammar exercise tests your ability to use modal auxiliary verbs. Fill in the blanks.
1She may ............... his name.
Wrong!
After "may", use the base verb "know" without "to" or third-person "-s".
2She ............... speak English.
Wrong!
Modal verbs do not add "-s", so "can" is correct with "she".
3He ............... do that.
Wrong!
For a modal negative, put "not" after the modal, so "should not" is correct.
4You must ............... now.
Wrong!
After "must", use the base verb "leave" without "to".
5The walls ought to ............... one of these days.
Wrong!
The passive form after "ought to" is "be painted".
6I really ............... to work hard in those days.
Wrong!
For past necessity, use "had" in the expression "had to".
7You ............... me you were coming.
Wrong!
Use "should have told" to criticize something that was not done in the past.
8"Suma hasn't arrived yet." "She ............... the train."
Wrong!
For a past possibility, use "might have missed" with a past participle.
9She ............... be in London or Paris.
Wrong!
For present logical possibility, "could" is correct here.
10Chennai ............... be very hot in March.
Wrong!
For general or occasional possibility, use "can".
11"Where is Janaki?" "She ............... have gone swimming."
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
For present uncertainty about a past action, "may" and "might" are both correct before "have gone".
12Students ............... use the staff car park; it is for staff only.
Select 3 answers.
Wrong!
"Must not", "may not", and "cannot" can all express prohibition here.
Answers
- She may know his name.
- She can speak English.
- He should not do that.
- You must leave now.
- The walls ought to be painted one of these days.
- I really had to work hard in those days.
- You should have told me you were coming.
- “Suma hasn’t arrived yet.” “She might have missed the train.”
- She could be in London or Paris.
- Chennai can be very hot in March.
- “Where is Janaki?” “She may / might have gone swimming.”
- Students must not / may not / cannot use the staff car park; it is for staff only.