Modal Verbs Quiz

Which modal verb is used to express ability in the past?

• Can

• Could

• Will

• Must

Answer explanation

The modal verb 'could' is used to express ability in the past. For example, 'I could swim when I was five.' In contrast, 'can' refers to present ability, while 'will' and 'must' express future intention and necessity, respectively.

Which modal expresses a strong recommendation or advice?

• May

• Shall

• Should

• Can

Answer explanation

The modal 'should' expresses a strong recommendation or advice, indicating what is advisable or expected. In contrast, 'may' suggests permission, 'shall' indicates obligation, and 'can' denotes ability.

Complete the sentence: I ___ finish my homework tonight.

• must

• can

• might

• will

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'must' because it indicates a strong obligation to finish the homework tonight. 'Can' suggests ability, 'might' indicates possibility, and 'will' expresses future intent, but 'must' conveys necessity.

Choose the sentence that shows a possibility:

• You must go now.

• I can play the guitar.

• She might visit us later.

• He will do his homework.

Answer explanation

The sentence "She might visit us later" indicates a possibility with the word "might," suggesting that her visit is not certain. The other options express obligation or certainty, not possibility.

Which modal is used for permission?

• Should

• Could

• May

• Must

Answer explanation

The modal 'may' is commonly used to express permission, indicating that something is allowed. In contrast, 'should' suggests advice, 'could' implies possibility, and 'must' indicates obligation.

Which modal verb would you use to make an offer?

• Will

• Shall

• Must

• May

Answer explanation

The correct modal verb to make an offer is 'shall'. It is often used in formal contexts to suggest willingness or intention, making it suitable for offers. 'Will' can also be used, but 'shall' is more traditional for offers.

Complete the sentence: You ___ finish your homework before you can go out to play.

• should

• could

• might

• will

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should' because it indicates a recommendation or obligation to finish homework before going out to play, implying that it is necessary to complete the task first.

Complete the sentence with the correct semi-modal: I ___ to study hard if I want to pass the exam.

• must

• have

• need

• ought

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'need' because it indicates a requirement to study hard in order to pass the exam. 'Must' implies obligation, 'have' is incomplete, and 'ought' suggests advice, but 'need' clearly expresses necessity.

Which of the following sentences expresses a lack of necessity?

• You mustn't forget to call.

• You needn't bring your book.

• You should study for the test.

• You ought to help your friend.

Answer explanation

The sentence "You needn't bring your book" clearly indicates that bringing the book is not necessary, making it the only option that expresses a lack of necessity. The other sentences imply obligations or recommendations.

Which modal verb is used to talk about a future intention?

• Might

• Could

• Will

• Ought to

Answer explanation

The modal verb 'will' is used to express future intentions or decisions. It indicates a strong commitment to perform an action in the future, making it the correct choice for discussing future intentions.