Modal Verbs Part 1

Choose the correct option to fill in the gaps...


1. Paul.................. be at home; he always works until 9 p.m.

a) can’t b) mustn’t c) can


2. My sister ............... come back from London tonight, but I’m not sure.
a) may b) ought to c) must

3. Carl ............... speak a word of English before travelling to Britain.
a) can’t b) wasn’t able to c) wasn’t allowed to

4. Mary ............ have forgotten our appointment. Why isn’t she here?
a) can b) must c) may

5. ............... I use your phone, please?
a) Must b) Should c) May

6. You ............ have told us about Sue’s divorce. We made such insensitive comments on her husband!
a) shouldn’t b) should c) mustn’t

7. My son has always been a clever boy; he ......... read when he was three.
a) could b) might c) may

8. I’m afraid I .................. go out tonight, I ......... work late.
a) can’t/ can b) can/must c) should/cab

9. You often have headaches. I think you ............ visit a neurologist.
a) may b) can c) should

10. There are some black clouds in the sky. It ............... rain this evening.
a) must b) may c) ought to


modal madness