Modal Verbs Exercises

These modal verbs exercises are given as multiple choice questions along with answers. At the explanations tab, There are many modal verbs examples, sentences, questions, and also formula, form and structure for this tense. At the worksheet tab, you can download them as PDF or word files for free.

Use of Modal Verbs – can, could, may, might

Modal verbs are special verbs that give more information about the function of the main verb that follows them. They are used to express possibility, ability, permission, advice, necessity, or future intentions.

Form

  • Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the main verb (without “to”).
  • They do not change form depending on the subject (no -s in the third person).
  • Negatives and questions are formed without auxiliary verbs (e.g., Should I go?, You must not lie.)

Use of Modal Verbs

Here are the key modal verbs you need to know at B2 level and their main uses:

Modal Verb Use Example
Can Ability or possibility in the present/future She can drive very well.
Could Past ability or polite requests/suggestions He could swim when he was 5.
May Formal permission or possibility You may leave early today.
Might Weak possibility It might rain later.
Must Strong obligation or logical conclusion You must wear a seatbelt.
Shall Formal suggestion or future intention (mainly British English) Shall we begin?
Should Advice or expectation You should eat more vegetables.
Will Certain future action or decision I will call you tomorrow.
Would Polite request, conditional situations, or past habits I would love to join you.

Modal Verbs in Future Contexts

Some modal verbs are especially useful when talking about the future:

  • Will: For predictions and decisions made at the moment of speaking.
  • Shall: For formal or polite offers and suggestions.
  • Might / May: To express possible future actions.
  • Can: To express general possibilities.
  • Should: To express what is expected or advised in the future.
  • Would: Used in conditional future situations.

Quick Tips

  • Don't use "to" after modal verbs: Say must go, not must to go.
  • Use "could", "might", and "may" for uncertain situations.
  • Use "should" for advice and "must" for strong necessity.
  • "Would" is often used in polite language and hypothetical situations.

Summary Table: When to Use Which Modal Verb

Function Modal Verbs
Ability Can, Could (past)
Possibility May, Might, Could
Permission Can, May
Advice Should, Ought to
Obligation Must, Have to
Future Intention Will, Shall
Hypothetical / Politeness Would, Could
Exercises
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Choose the correct option to complete the Modal Verbs Exercises below.
1

"You _____ call me. I had my phone with me."

a.
must have
b.
could have
c.
should have
2

"I wonder why Kate isn't here. She _____ forgotten our appointment."

a.
must have
b.
should have
c.
could have
3

"You _____ worry. I’m sure he’ll arrive soon."

a.
mustn't
b.
shouldn't
c.
needn't
4

It's optional. You _____ attend the seminar.

a.
shouldn't
b.
mustn't
c.
don't have to
5

"_____ you please tell me where the nearest station is?"

a.
Should
b.
Could
c.
Might
6

Tom _____ swim when he was five years old.

a.
can
b.
must
c.
could
7

She _____ leave early tomorrow; her flight departs at 6 AM.

a.
must
b.
should
c.
would
8

She _____ passed the exam; she didn't study at all.

a.
couldn't have
b.
should have
c.
must have
9

"It _____ rain today, the sky looks clear."

a.
couldn't
b.
mustn't
c.
shouldn't
10

"They _____ bring lunch. Food will be provided."

a.
mustn't
b.
don't have to
c.
shouldn't

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