Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
1. I ……………………… call you tonight.
We use will in promises.
2. The contractor …………………………. be responsible for the maintenance of the building and its premises.
In contracts, shall is often used with third person subjects to refer to obligations and duties. Will be also possible here.
3. I ……………………… give you a laptop for your birthday.
Both will and shall can be used with first person subjects in promises.
4. What time ………………………. I come and see you?
We use shall to ask for instructions and decisions.
5. What on earth ……………………….. we do?
We use shall to ask for instructions and decisions.
6. ……………………… I get something to eat?
We use shall to ask for instructions and decisions.
7. Make me a cup of tea, ………………………….. you?
We use will to give instructions and orders.
8. I promise I …………………….. tell lies again.
We use will in promises.
9. I ………………………… kill you if you do that again.
We use will in threats.
10. ………………………… I carry your bag?
We use shall to ask for instructions.
11. ‘Can somebody help me?’ ‘I ……………………’
We use will to express our willingness to do things.
12. ………………………. the train be on time?
We use will to talk about simple futurity.
Answers
1. I will call you tonight.
2. The contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance of the building and its premises.
3. I will / shall give you a laptop for your birthday.
4. What time shall I come and see you?
5. What on earth shall we do?
6. Shall I get something to eat?
7. Make me a cup of tea, will you?
8. I promise I won’t tell lies again.
9. I will kill you if you do that again.
10. Shall I carry your bag?
11. ‘Can somebody help me?’ ‘I will.’
12. Will the train be on time?
