Mastering the Modals

Which modal verb expresses possibility in the present?

• can

• may

• should

• would

Answer explanation

Which modal verbs are used to express ability?

• can

• may

• might

• could

"I ______ speak Spanish fluently, but I need more practice with writing."

"May I borrow your pen?" is a polite request for permission.

• True

• False

Which modal verb expresses obligation or duty?

• will

• can

• must

• may

"If I had studied harder, I ______ have gotten a better grade."

"Could you please pass the salt?" is a polite request for permission.

• True

• False

Which modal verb expresses possibility in the past?

• can

• may

• should

• would

"They may should get a new car, their old one keeps breaking down." (Identify and correct the error in the sentence)

Answer explanation

"They should probably get a new car, their old one keeps breaking down."

There was an error of redundancy: "May" and "should" both express possibility, making them redundant in this context. You can choose to use only one and still convey the same meaning.

So, we use "should" to express advice based on the car's problems.

"I'm not sure where my keys are. They ______ be in my bag." (choose the correct modal verb)