Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
1. ……………………. you lend me your pen?
Correct!
Wrong!
Can shows ability; may shows possibility.
2. She ……………………. arrive anytime soon.
Correct!
Wrong!
May shows possibility. Can is unusual in affirmative sentences with this meaning.
3. You ……………………. come whenever you want.
Correct!
Wrong!
Can shows ability.
4. I …………………….. return your book tomorrow.
Correct!
Wrong!
Use will in promises or offers.
5. You …………………….. apply for that job.
Correct!
Wrong!
Use should to show obligation. It is also used to give advice.
6. You ……………………. go now.
Correct!
Wrong!
7. I ……………………… allow you to go.
Correct!
Wrong!
8. If you are busy now, I …………………….. come tomorrow.
Correct!
Wrong!
Will can be used in offers, promises etc.
9. We ………………………. be in trouble, if I lose my job.
Correct!
Wrong!
10. He said that he ……………………… come.
Correct!
Wrong!
11. An elephant …………………….. eat a lot of food.
Correct!
Wrong!
Use can to show ability or typical behavior.
12. Since elephants love sugarcane, a trainer ……………………… find it easy to train them with sugarcane.
Correct!
Wrong!
Use may to show possibility.
Answers
- Can you lend me your pen?
- She may arrive anytime soon.
- You can come whenever you want.
- I will return your book tomorrow.
- You should apply for that job.
- You may go now.
- I won’t allow you to go.
- If you are busy now, I will come tomorrow.
- We will be in trouble, if I lose my job.
- He said that he would not come.
- An elephant can eat a lot of food.
- Since elephants love sugarcane, a trainer may find it easy to train them with sugarcane.
