Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal auxiliary verbs.
1. ………………………… you solve this puzzle?
Can expresses ability.
2. Although she tried, she ………………………….. solve the problem.
Could not expresses inability.
3. They ………………………….. have already left.
May expresses possibility in affirmative sentences.
4. Who ………………………… it be?
Can expresses possibility in questions and negative sentences.
5. No. It ……………………….. be the postman. He has already been.
Can expresses possibility in questions and negative sentences.
6. My grandmother is ninety. She …………………………… still read without glasses.
Can shows present ability. Could shows past ability.
7. He said that I …………………………… leave if I wanted to.
Both could and might can indicate permission.
8. You …………………………. regret this.
With second and third person pronouns shall can be used to express a command or threat.
9. I ……………………………. go no matter what.
Will indicates determination.
10. She ………………………….. spend hours playing with her dog.
We can use will to express characteristic habit.
11. ………………………….. you help me with this?
Please select 2 correct answers
Will is often used in polite requests.
12. I …………………………… pay for your drinks.
Will is used in promises.
Answers
1. Can you solve this puzzle?
2. Although she tried, she could not solve the problem.
3. They may have already left.
4. Who can it be?
5. No. It cannot be the postman. He has already been.
6. My grandmother is ninety. She can still read without glasses.
7. He said that I could / might leave if I wanted to.
8. You shall regret this.
9. I will go no matter what.
10. She will spend hours playing with her dog.
11. Will / Can you help me with this?
12. I will pay for your drinks.
