Practise can, could, must, should, may, might and have to for ability, permission, advice and obligation.
Choose an answer for each question. You get the correct answer and a short reason straight away, then your total score at the end.
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1. Choose the correct modal: “Ananya ___ speak three languages fluently.”
“Can” is correct because it shows ability, something a person is able to do. Here it tells us Ananya has the skill to speak three languages.
2. Fill in the blank: “___ I borrow your pen for a minute, sir?”
“May” is correct because it asks for permission politely. It is the natural choice when requesting something from someone senior, like a teacher.
3. Choose the best modal: “You ___ wear a helmet while riding a bike. It is the law.”
“Must” is correct because it shows strong obligation or a rule. A legal requirement calls for “must”, not a softer word.
4. Which modal gives advice? “You look tired, Rahul. You ___ take some rest.”
“Should” is correct because it gives advice or a recommendation. We use it to tell someone what is a good idea for them.
5. Fill in the blank for past ability: “When I was young, I ___ run very fast.”
“Could” is the past form of “can” and shows ability in the past. It tells us the speaker had this skill earlier in life.
6. Choose the correct modal for possibility: “Take an umbrella. It ___ rain later.”
“Might” is correct because it shows possibility, something that is not certain. The weather may or may not change, so we use “might”.
7. Which sentence shows a logical deduction (near certainty)?
“Must” is correct here because it shows a strong conclusion based on evidence. The dark room makes us almost sure she is asleep.
8. Fill in the blank: “I ___ finish this report by tonight, or my boss will be upset.”
“Have to” is correct because it shows obligation coming from an outside pressure. The consequence from the boss makes the task necessary.
9. Choose the correct form: “You ___ smoke here. It is not allowed.”
“Mustn’t” is correct because it shows prohibition, something you are forbidden to do. “Needn’t” would only mean it is not necessary, which is different.
10. Identify the correct sentence.
“Ought to” is followed by the base verb, so “ought to respect” is correct. It gives advice much like “should”.
11. Choose the polite request: “___ you please pass me the salt?”
“Would” is correct because it makes a polite request at the dinner table. It is softer and more courteous than a direct order.
12. Which modal fits negative deduction? “Meera has just finished a big lunch. She ___ be hungry now.”
“Can’t” is correct because it shows a confident negative conclusion from evidence. After a big lunch, we are almost sure she is not hungry.
13. Find the error: “She must to submit the form before Friday.”
“Must” is followed directly by the base verb, so “must to submit” is wrong and should be “must submit”. Modals like must, can, and should never take “to”.
14. Choose the correct modal: “It’s only a short walk. We ___ take a rickshaw.”
“Needn’t” is correct because it shows something is not necessary. Since the walk is short, a rickshaw is not required.
15. Transform to show past obligation that was not done: “It was important to call her, but I forgot.” Which fits? “I ___ called her.”
“Should have” plus the past participle shows a past duty that was not carried out. It expresses regret about not calling her.
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