Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
1. …………………….. you mind moving a bit?
Would is used in polite requests.
2. …………………… you lend me your vacuum cleaner?
3. You ……………………….. not repeat this.
Shall can express an order when used with second and third person pronouns.
4. You ……………………….. pay for this.
When used with second and third person pronouns, shall can indicate a threat.
5. ………………………… I call the doctor?
6. All students ………………………… submit their assignments by Friday.
Should indicates obligation.
7. You …………………………… leave early if you are not feeling well.
Please select 2 correct answers
Either can or may is possible here.
8. You ………………………….. not have done this to me.
The expression should not have is used to criticize people for doing things.
9. The workers asked if they ………………………… leave early.
10. I ………………………… sing better when I was younger.
We use could to indicate past ability.
11. If I knew his name, I ………………………. tell you.
In the second conditional we use a simple past in the if-clause and would + first form of the verb in the main clause.
12. He hung up before I ............................. say a word.
Answers
1. Would you mind moving a bit?
2. Will you lend me your vacuum cleaner?
3. You shall not repeat this.
4. You shall pay for this.
5. Should I call the doctor?
6. All students should submit their assignments by Friday.
7. You may / can leave early if you are not feeling well.
8. You should not have done this to me.
9. The workers asked if they could leave early.
10. I could sing better when I was younger.
11. If I knew his name, I would tell you.
12. He hung up before I could say a word.
