Mastering Modal Verbs

Identify the modal verb in the sentence: 'Harper must finish her homework.'

• must

• finish

• Harper

• homework

Answer explanation

The modal verb in the sentence 'You must finish your homework' is 'must'. It indicates necessity or obligation, making it the correct choice among the options provided.

David is trying to improve his health and productivity.

Complete the sentence: 'To stay healthy, you ____ exercise regularly.'

• should

• could

• might

• would

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'You should exercise regularly to stay healthy,' provides sound advice for maintaining health, emphasizing the importance of regular exercise, unlike the other options which suggest less beneficial actions.

Lily is preparing for her upcoming exams.

She wonders about the difference in meaning between 'can' and 'could'.

• 'Can' indicates present ability; 'could' indicates past ability or hypothetical situations.

• 'Can' is a noun; 'could' is a verb.

• 'Can' is used for future ability; 'could' is for present ability.

• 'Can' refers to permission; 'could' refers to ability.

Answer explanation

'Can' indicates present ability, such as being able to do something now, while 'could' refers to past ability or hypothetical situations, indicating what was possible in the past or what might happen.

Hannah is planning her weekend.

In what context would she use 'need to' instead of 'have to'?

• 'Need to' implies a suggestion, while 'have to' is for personal choice.

• 'Need to' is used for personal necessity, while 'have to' indicates obligation.

• 'Have to' is used for future plans, while 'need to' is for past actions.

• 'Have to' is used for personal necessity, while 'need to' indicates obligation.

Answer explanation

'Need to' expresses personal necessity, indicating something important for oneself, while 'have to' conveys a sense of obligation, often imposed by external factors. Thus, the correct choice highlights this distinction.

Complete the modal verb in the sentence:

'Kai ________ already play the piano beautifully, when she was 8.'

Answer explanation

The modal verb in the sentence 'She _____ play the piano beautifully' is 'could'. It indicates ability in the past.

Formulate a sentence using 'could' to express a past ability.

• When Benjamin was younger, he could not swim at all.

• I can swim for hours now.

• I could swim yesterday.

• When Maya was younger, she could swim for hours without getting tired.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'When I was younger, I could swim for hours without getting tired,' uses 'could' to express a past ability, indicating that the speaker had the capability to swim for long durations in the past.

Lily wants to know if Benjamin is allowed to go out to play with his friends.

How would she ask him using 'can'?

• Can you go out?

• Can I go out?

• Can he go out?

• Can we go out?

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Can you go out?' because it directly uses 'can' to inquire about someone's ability or permission to go out. The other options either ask about oneself or do not use 'can' appropriately.

Maya has a big exam coming up, and she is trying to decide how to prepare.

Explain the nuance (=slight difference in meaning) of obligation

between 'must' and 'have to' in her situation.

• 'Must' conveys a stronger, personal obligation, while 'have to' indicates an obligation based on external circumstances.

• 'Must' indicates a suggestion, while 'have to' is a command.

• 'Must' is used for past obligations, while 'have to' is for future obligations.

• 'Must' and 'have to' are interchangeable with no difference.

Answer explanation

'Must' indicates a strong, personal obligation, often reflecting the speaker's feelings, while 'have to' suggests an obligation imposed by external factors or circumstances, making it less personal.

Elijah wants to improve his health.

Complete the sentence: 'He ______ try to exercise at least three times a week.'

• should

• could

• might

• would

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'You should try to exercise at least three times a week,' offers a positive recommendation for maintaining health, unlike the other options which suggest negative or unhealthy behaviors.

Lily has an important exam tomorrow, and she realizes that she needs to study hard to pass.

What is the correct modal verb to express a strong necessity for her to study?

• must

• should

• could

• might

Answer explanation

The correct modal verb to express a strong necessity is 'must'. It indicates an obligation or requirement, whereas 'should', 'could', and 'might' suggest weaker levels of necessity or possibility.