• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Home of English Grammar
  • Home
  • Course
  • Exercises
  • Grammar Rules
  • Matches
  • Posts
  • Tools
    • Grammar Checker
    • Very Replacer
    • Word Counter
  • Vocabulary Lists
  • Archives
    • Social Media Posts
    • Writing Guides
  • Join free

Modal Auxiliary Verbs Exercise

January 31, 2019 A2pdf

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
Progress 0 of 12 answered
1I ............... speak Italian really well because I lived in Rome for ten years.
Wrong!
Use "can" to talk about present ability.
2I asked if you ............... arrive in the afternoon.
Wrong!
Use "could" after the past reporting verb "asked" in this indirect question.
3She ............... walk when she was just nine months old.
Wrong!
Use "could" to talk about general ability in the past.
4If you take a rest for an hour, you ............... feel better.
Select 3 answers.
Wrong!
"May", "could", and "might" all express a possible result here.
5After giving birth, a woman ............... suffer from depression for many months.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
"May" and "can" both express a possible typical occurrence here.
6She said that she ............... go to the movies.
Wrong!
Use "might" as the reported form of "may" after "said".
7You ............... have lots of money, but that does not mean you are better than me.
Wrong!
Use "might" to admit that something may be true before making a contrast.
8When I was a child, I ............... watch TV whenever I wanted.
Wrong!
Use "could" to talk about general permission in the past.
9............... he arrive on time?
Wrong!
Use "Will" to ask about a future event.
10I ............... be happy even if I do not win the prize.
Wrong!
Use "will" for a definite statement about the future.
11She ............... be here soon.
Wrong!
Use "should" to say that something is expected or likely.
12I ............... kill him if he reads my letters again.
Wrong!
Use "will" to make a threat about the future.

Exercise complete

0/ out of 12 correct answers
Challenge a friend
More Exercises →

Answers

  1. I can speak Italian really well because I lived in Rome for ten years.
  2. I asked if you could arrive in the afternoon.
  3. She could walk when she was just nine months old.
  4. If you take a rest for an hour, you may / could / might feel better.
  5. After giving birth, a woman may / can suffer from depression for many months.
  6. She said that she might go to the movies.
  7. You might have lots of money, but that does not mean you are better than me.
  8. When I was a child, I could watch TV whenever I wanted.
  9. Will he arrive on time?
  10. I will be happy even if I do not win the prize.
  11. She should be here soon.
  12. I will kill him if he reads my letters again.

Improve your English grammar, vocabulary and writing

We take you step by step from beginner to advanced, even if you struggled with English at school or have always had trouble remembering the rules.

  • 10 modules, 105 lessons and 688 questions
  • Just log in and learn anytime and anywhere
  • Your progress is saved in your account
  • Download the 2027 Grammar Guide (PDF)

Related lesson in the course Be, have and do: main verbs and helpers Module 01: Sentence foundations · Lesson 3

Join free

Already have an account? Sign in

See what’s in the course

Primary Sidebar

2.4M761.4K165.8K

Free 2027 Grammar Guide

  • Download Grammar Guide (PDF)
  • Online grammar course, A1 to C2
  • Weekly exercises and vocabulary
  • Join over 3 million English learners

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.

Already have an account? Sign in

Grammar Checker - Try Now

Latest Posts

  • “Disinterested” and “uninterested” have overlapped for centuries October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Spontaneous” October 22, 2026
  • Critical Discussion Error Correction Exercise October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Cheerless” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Prophecy” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Spirit” October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Distinct” October 22, 2026
  • Comprise, consist of, include, compose, constitute, and make up: How to choose October 22, 2026
  • Describing People Vocabulary Exercise October 22, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Properties” October 22, 2026
Home of English Grammar

Free English grammar exercises, rules and vocabulary lists, with new exercises every week. Join the leading English grammar site with over 3 million followers.

Join free

Learn

  • Exercises
  • Matches
  • Grammar rules
  • Vocabulary lists
  • Writing guides
  • Online tools

More

  • Top social media posts
  • Various posts
  • Contact

Account

  • Join free
  • Grammar Course
  • Free grammar guide (PDF)

Copyright © 2026 EnglishGrammar.org

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms
  • Sitemap