Complete the following sentences using appropriate modal auxiliaries.
1He ............... be on holiday, but I’m not sure.
Wrong!
Use "may" to show an uncertain possibility.
2You ............... be right, but I would still like to check.
Wrong!
Use "may" to admit that something is possibly true.
3............... you turn down the volume, please?
Wrong!
Use "Can" for a natural informal request.
4You ............... go when you have finished.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "can" or "may" to give permission.
5You ............... ask whatever questions you have.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "may" or "can" to give permission to ask questions.
6You ............... smoke in the kitchen; it is against the rules.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "must not" or "cannot" to say that something is not allowed.
7From his accent, he ............... be from Toronto.
Wrong!
Use "could" to express a possible conclusion.
8"Who can it be?" "It ............... be the postman. He never comes on Sundays."
Wrong!
Use "cannot" to say that the speaker thinks something is impossible.
9The weather ............... be hotter tomorrow.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "may" or "could" to express future possibility.
10............... you dance?
Wrong!
Use "Can" to ask about ability.
Answers
- He may be on holiday, but I’m not sure.
- You may be right, but I would still like to check.
- Can you turn down the volume, please?
- You can / may go when you have finished.
- You may / can ask whatever questions you have.
- You must not / cannot smoke in the kitchen; it is against the rules.
- From his accent, he could be from Toronto.
- “Who can it be?” “It cannot be the postman. He never comes on Sundays.”
- The weather may / could be hotter tomorrow.
- Can you dance?