• 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

Modals Exercise

February 14, 2020 B1pdf

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.
Progress 0 of 12 answered
1............... you mind moving a bit?
Wrong!
Use "Would" in the polite request "Would you mind...?"
2............... you lend me your vacuum cleaner?
Wrong!
Use "Will" to make a direct request for help.
3You ............... not repeat this to anyone – that's an order!
Wrong!
Use "shall" with "you" to express a strong order.
4Just you wait – you ............... pay for this!
Wrong!
Use "shall" with "you" to express a threat or warning.
5............... I call the doctor?
Wrong!
Use "Should" to ask for advice about the right action.
6All students ............... submit their assignments by Friday.
Wrong!
Use "should" to express an obligation or expectation.
7You ............... leave early if you are not feeling well.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "can" or "may" to give permission.
8You ............... not have done this to me.
Wrong!
Use "should" in "should not have" to criticize a past action.
9The workers asked if they ............... leave early.
Wrong!
Use "could" as the backshifted form of "can" in reported speech.
10I ............... sing better when I was younger.
Wrong!
Use "could" to talk about general ability in the past.
11If I knew his name, I ............... tell you.
Wrong!
Use "would" in the main clause of a second conditional sentence.
12He hung up before I ............... say a word.
Wrong!
Use "could" for ability or opportunity in a past-time clause.

Exercise complete

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

Answers

  1. Would you mind moving a bit?
  2. Will you lend me your vacuum cleaner?
  3. You shall not repeat this to anyone – that’s an order!
  4. Just you wait – you shall pay for this!
  5. Should I call the doctor?
  6. All students should submit their assignments by Friday.
  7. You can / may 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.

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 Modal verbs: how the forms work Module 04: Tenses & verb forms · Lesson 14

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

  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Grouping” October 23, 2026
  • When do I use in, on, and at? October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Stability” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Prophet” October 23, 2026
  • 100 Best Synonyms for “Doing” October 22, 2026
  • “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
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