Modals Exercises

Verbs such as will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, must, need, and ought to are called modal verbs. Most of them are used as helping verbs to should the possibility/probability of something happening. This article has some exercises based on modal verbs. Try them out.

Modal Exercises with Answers

Complete the following exercises and check the answers to find out if you know them well.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the blanks with the correct modals

1. I __ arrange the flowers for the bouquet. (may/can)
2. __ I borrow this pen from you? (may/might)
3. The teacher __ ask you to bring the homework. (might/can)
4. According to the weather forecast, it ___ snow heavily tomorrow. (may/shall)
5. Raj hasn’t studied well. He __ fail his exam. (might/shall)
6. You __ follow the traffic rules. (may/must)
7. It __ be difficult to live amidst war. (should/must)
8. My mother __ scold me if I don’t go back on time. (will/may)
9. We ___ take care of our parents. (ought to/ could)
10. I __ visit the local grocery store soon. (shall/can)
11. You ___ be punctual. (should/ought)
12. One __ repay all their debts. (must/ought to)
13. __ you show me the road to the market? (could/might)
14. The child __ be taken to hospital immediately. (must/might)
15. ___ you have hot chocolate? (shall/will)

Answers for Exercise 1

1. Can
2. May
3. Might
4. May
5. Might
6. Must
7. Must
8. Will
9. Ought to
10. Shall
11. Should
12. Ought to
13. Could
14. Must
15. Will

Exercise 2 – Identify the modal verb in the following sentences

1. My teacher (can/must) speak four languages.
2. (May/should) I use your mobile to call my mother?
3. You (must/could) not speak loudly in the hospital.
4. I (could/must) use a little help in packing all these clothes.
5. Madam (could/may) you repeat what you said?
6. I (can/might) not be able to make it tonight.
7. Sheldon (ought to/must) study more if he wants to pass the test.
8. (Can/May) you come to the prom with me?
9. My parents (shall/ought to) arrive soon.
10. I (could/must) be late as I have a lot on my plate.
11. Leonard (can/may) easily solve the problem.
12. It (might/should) rain tomorrow.
13. (May/might) all your wishes come true in life.
14. I (could/might) not be any happier.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Can
2. May
3. Must
4. Could
5. Could
6. Might
7. Must
8. Can
9. Shall
10. Could
11. Can
12. Might
13. May
14. Could