Modal Verbs Quiz

1. They _______ (should/might) have arrived by now, but the train was delayed.

Answer explanation

Here, "should" is used in the form of an expectation.

Should is also used to express obligation or advice.

Remember, modals are shapeshifters. So different modals have different meanings according to the context of the sentence.

Given the current situation, I think we _______ (should/must) postpone the event until further notice.

Answer explanation

Here, "should" works as an advice as the context of the sentence suggests that the "current situation" will prevent the "event" from happening.

Must is an obligation, it does not pair well with "I think" in this sentence.

If I had known about the meeting earlier, I _______ (could have/would have) attended it.

Answer explanation

"Could have" indicates ability, while "would have" indicates intention.
Intention here better fits the context as the speaker expresses regret after not attending the meeting.

You _______ (may not/mustn't) enter the restricted area unless you have clearance.

Answer explanation

Must always pertains to an obligation. Here specifically, it means following a rule.

While, "may" always carries an indication of permission, which is not at all applicable here.

Rewrite the following sentences using a different modal verb that maintains the original meaning: You are allowed to leave the class early today.(Rewrite with "may")

Answer explanation

Answer : You may leave the class early today.
Since "may" indicates permission, "you are allowed" can simply be replaced with "may".

1. Rewrite the following sentences using a different modal verb that maintains the original meaning: There's a possibility that they will reject the offer. (Rewrite with "might")

Answer explanation

"might" indicates possibility, hence "there's a possibility" can simply be replaced with "might".

We _______ leave the party early if we want to catch the last train.

• must

• might

• could

Answer explanation

"Must" indicates obligation. Since they have to catch a train, they are obligated to leave the party early.

_______ you lend me a hand with this issue? I'm quite confused.

• Could

• Would

• Should

Answer explanation

"Could" here indicates a polite request. Can and could usually implies an informal situation.

We _______ finish this project by the end of the week to meet the deadline.

• might

• should

• have to

Answer explanation

"Have to" also indicates an obligation.

If they can find someone to drive them, they _______ go to the concert.

• must

• might

• could

Answer explanation

Now, instead of being a polite request, "could" has simply shapeshifted to the past tense of "can", which indicates ability.