Modals Quiz by Serkan, Gökhan, Enes

Before this year, I _____ move out of my parents’ house because I did not have a job.

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• may not

• cannot

• should not

• could not

• shall not

Answer explanation

"Could not" expresses a past inability to do something, a financial inability in this case.

It _____ about a year until I am able to completely furnish my apartment.

• must take

• will take

• would take

• will have taken

• must have taken

Answer explanation

We use "will" to express a prediction.

Unfortunately, it's not so easy to find to find an apartment in the city. Without an agent, you _____ not be able to find all the available listings.

• ought to

• must

• should

• might

• can

Answer explanation

"Might" expresses possibility in the present and future.

Before now, I coudn’t sign a lease, but now I _____ because I am twenty-one.

• able

• can

• can able

• can do

• speak

Answer explanation

"Can" (or "am able to") expresses a present ability.

I asked my friends to help me move because I knew that I _____ fit all my possessions into my little car.

• can't be able to

• not able to

• don't be able to

• couldn't

• couldn't be able to

Answer explanation

Both "can" or "could" express ability. However, if the verb tense in the main clause is past ("I knew"), we backshift the verb tense ("can’t" to "couldn’t") in the subordinated clause.

My best friend said, "I _____ help you move next week."

• able to

• would be able to

• be able to

• must be able to

• will be able to

Answer explanation

"Will be able to" expresses a future ability. (Note that a speaker expresses an excuse (a reason why he cannot help) by using "would". → I would help, but I have a doctor's appointment.)

He added, "I _____ help earlier in the morning than later in the afternoon." (preference)

• would better

• would like

• would have

• would rather

• would

Answer explanation

"Would rather" expresses preference (e.g., "I'd rather do X than Y).

With the help of three friends, I ___ get all my possessions into the new condo. (managed to).

• can

• could

• am able to

• was able to

• could have

Answer explanation

"Was able to" (not "could") expresses a past, single event with the meaning "managed to" (e.g., I was able to get my license after practicing for a year.)

I know that everyone _______ save a little extra money, but it is hard with so many bills to pay.

• must

• is supposed to

• has to

• was able to

• could have

Answer explanation

When talking about what is customary, conventional or expected behavior (in general), we use "(be) supposed to"

I made a few purchases. The first thing that I _____ was furniture.

• must have

• had to have

• must have had

• have to have

• would have

Answer explanation

Because the modal "must" has no past tense form, we switch to the expression "had to" to express a past obligation or requirement.