Complete the following sentences using appropriate modal auxiliary verbs.
1............... you help me with my homework?
Wrong!
Use "Will" to make a polite request for help.
2You ............... obey the traffic rules.
Wrong!
Use "must" for a strong obligation or rule.
3I've asked him many times, but he ............... do it. He simply refuses.
Wrong!
Use "will not" to show unwillingness or refusal.
4Unless you are careful, you ............... get into trouble.
Wrong!
Use "will" for a likely future result in a real condition.
5The children asked whether they ............... go for a swim.
Wrong!
Use "might" for reported permission after a past reporting verb.
6We ............... hear music playing in the next room.
Wrong!
Use "can" for present ability or possibility based on the senses.
7If you work hard, you ............... succeed.
Wrong!
Use "will" for a likely future result in a real condition.
8We did all that we ...............
Wrong!
Use "could" for past ability.
9I'm not sure whether Tom will join us tonight. He ............... not come.
Wrong!
Use "may" to show possibility; "I'm not sure whether" shows the speaker is uncertain.
10I'm not sure, but she ............... permit this.
Wrong!
Use "might" to show weak possibility; "I'm not sure" shows the speaker is uncertain.
11Nothing can stop me. I ............... sacrifice my life for my country if I have to.
Wrong!
Use "will" to express strong determination.
12The rattlesnake ............... move very fast.
Wrong!
Use "can" for general ability.
13There is a "No Parking" sign. You ............... park here.
Wrong!
Use "must not" to express prohibition.
Answers
- Will you help me with my homework?
- You must obey the traffic rules.
- I’ve asked him many times, but he will not do it. He simply refuses.
- Unless you are careful, you will get into trouble.
- The children asked whether they might go for a swim.
- We can hear music playing in the next room.
- If you work hard, you will succeed.
- We did all that we could.
- I’m not sure whether Tom will join us tonight. He may not come.
- I’m not sure, but she might permit this.
- Nothing can stop me. I will sacrifice my life for my country if I have to.
- The rattlesnake can move very fast.
- There is a “No Parking” sign. You must not park here.