DRILL EXERCISE 1

EXERCISE 1: GERUND OR INFINITIVES

Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences.
1. “What happened after I left the meeting?” “We finished assigning tasks, and then we went…………the budget.”
A. to discuss B. for discussing C. on to discuss D. having discussed
2. If you have a headache, try…………an aspirin.
A. to take B. taking C. take D. being taken
3. Luckily, she remembered …………with petrol, so she didn’t run out on the way there.
A. to fill up B. filled up C. filling up D. having filled up
4. After the party, they didn’t remember…………the ashtrays out. The first thing I did in the morning was to
open the windows.
A. taking B. to take C. to have taken D. having taken
5. “Did you enjoy your picnic?” “Yes, we had a great time and on the way home we stopped…………the sunset.”
A. to admire B. admiring C. for admiring D. to have admired
6. The President mentioned pension reform and went on…………that he would reduce unemployment figures.
A. adding B. add C. to be adding D. to add
7. Jane often remembered…………to her mother before she died.
A. to talk B. talk C. having talked D. talking
8. “She was great, wasn’t she?” “Absolutely, I can recall the last time I heard her…………such an inspiring
speech.”
A. has been delivering B. to deliver C. to be delivering D. deliver
9. As we walked past, we saw John…………his car.
A. to repair B. repaired C. in repairing D. repairing
10. Shhh, I hear someone…………in the distance. Do you hear it, too?
A. shouting B. shouted C. to shout D. shout
11. I’m sure it’s not my fault that Peter found out what we were planning. I don’t remember………… anyone
about it.
A. to tell B. being told C. having told D. to be told
12. “I can’t remember us ever…………,” replied the stranger.
A. to meet B. to have met C. being met D. having met
13. Ann was very surprised to find the door unlocked. She remembered…………it before she left.
A. to lock B. having locked C. to have locked D. she locks
Choose the underlined part among A, B, C or D that needs correcting.
14. The manager first talked about staffing policy, and then went on talking about the budget.
A B C D
15. It is worth to spend money on things like second-hand clothes.
A B C D
16. I am sure I locked the door when we were leaving. I remember how I checked it.
A B C D
17. I’m sure we locked the door when we were leaving; I still remember to lock it.
A B C D
18. Having watered the flowers in the rooms, she went on watering those in the kitchen.
A B C D
19. I have never dived in a twenty-metre-deep lake before, so I’m a bit afraid of doing it.
A B C D
20. Do you remember to try this kind of food somewhere else before?
A B C D
EXERCISE 2: MODAL VERBS
Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences.
1. “Don’t tell anyone my new address.” “…………...”
A. I wouldn’t B. I can’t C. I don’t D. I won’t
2. He…………...anything because he’s driving.
A. didn’t have to drink B. mightn’t drink C. shouldn’t drink D. can’t drink
3. Although nobody can prevent you from spending your own money, you…………...save for a rainy day.
A. would better B. better C. had better D. would rather
4. You…………...17 to get a driving license in the UK.
A. needn’t be B. should be C. have to be D. ought to be
5. You…………...to come if you are tired.
A. mustn’t B. can’t C. don’t have D. may not
6. You…………...file these documents now. It’s not urgent.
A. can’t B. don’t have to C. mustn’t D. may not
7. Since, at the very beginning, he showed some inclination towards laziness, he…………...of all his duties.
A. had to be reminded B. had to remind C. must have reminded D. must have been reminded
8. She relies on Tom far too much. She doesn’t take into account the possibility that he…………...her, in spite of
his willingness to do so.
A. may not want to help B. may not have helped
C. can’t have helped D. might not be able to help
9. You…………...touch electrical wires with wet hands.
A. needn’t B. mustn’t
C. don’t have to D. aren’t allowed to
10. “Nancy brought some food for the party.” “She…………..., we have plenty.”
A. needn’t have brought B. doesn’t have to C. didn’t need to D. needn’t
11. What Jim says…………...true but I very much doubt it.
A. should be B. will be C. must be D. may be
12. By the year 2030, it…………...possible to travel faster than the speed of light.
A. may be B. must be C. should be D. might have been
13. Final-year students…………...attend lectures. It is optional.
A. mustn’t B. don’t have to C. shouldn’t D. ought to
14. In the future, global warming…………...a level at which human life will become impossible.
A. will be increasing at B. increases in C. may increase to D. will increase
15. Before anyone steps on that stage, you…………...make sure that it is secure.
A. would better B. had better C. would rather D. would prefer to
16. You…………...finish your homework now. You can always do it after dinner.
A. couldn’t B. mustn’t C. don’t have to D. shouldn’t
17. Sam…………...his collection. I can imagine his wife’s anger if he does.
A. may have to sell B. may have sold C. could have sold . D. must have sold
18.…………...I post that letter for you on the way to the office?
A. Would B. Will C. Do D. Shall
19. “Shall I tell John about it?” “No, you…………... I’ve told him already.”
A. needn’t B. wouldn’t C. mustn’t D. shouldn’t
20. “Do you need this paintbrush?” “Ah, yes.…………...it to me, please?”
A. Do you pass B. Will you pass C. Are you passing D. Are you going to pass
21. You’re going to set up the equipment in a minute.…………...give you a hand?
A. Shall I B. Will I C. Would I D. Do I
22. “…………...you hand that book, please?” “Sure. Here it is.”
A. Would B. Should C. Must D. May
23. “Are these gloves necessary?” “Yes. You…………...use this chemical without gloves. It will burn your skin.”
A. must not B. don’t have to C. could not D. need not
24. You…………...so fast, or you might have an accident.
A. don’t have to drive B. shouldn’t have driven C. had better not drive D. mustn’t have driven
25. When you have a small child in the house, you…………...leave small objects lying around. Such
objects…………...be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.
A. needn’t - may B. should not - might C. should - must D. mustn’t - can’t
Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences. (Perfect modal verbs)
26. I got lost very often when I was in Hanoi. I…………...a street map while I was living there.
A. needn’t have bought B. have to buy C. should have bought D. would have bought
27. She…………...for her parents’ support during her university education, but she preferred to work part-time
and support herself.
A. should have asked B. could have asked C. must have asked D. ought to ask
28. You know how upset she was that night. You…………...her that everything was all right. Why were you so
cruel?
A. should tell B. ought to tell C. must have told D. should have told
29. Why are you still here? You…………...been helping Dianna in the yard.
A. must have B. would have C. might have D. should have
30. After a number of incidents with the police, we decided to close down the club. But now I think that maybe
we…………...it open.
A. ought to keep B. should have kept C. should keep D. should rather keep
31. As the repair turned out to be so complicated, they…………...much earlier. But nobody expected it would be
so time-consuming.
A. ought to have started B. should start C. might start D. must have started
32. “You…………...your temper like that, Sue. It was inexcusable.”
A. shouldn’t have lost B. shouldn’t lost C. can’t have lost D. mightn’t have lost
33. You …………...so much money at the weekend. It was wasteful.
A. can’t have spent B. shouldn’t spend C. shouldn’t have spent D. mustn’t spend
34. It’s your own fault. You…………...them to go out on their own; they are still new here.
A. mustn’t have allowed B. can’t allow C. shouldn’t allow D. shouldn’t have allowed
35. They only invited 12 people to the ceremony but they bought up to 30 helpings. They…………...that much.
A. can’t buy B. were buying C. shouldn’t have bought D. should not buy
36. I don’t know why you’re doing that now. You know it…………...finished yesterday.
A. should be B. must have been C. should have been D. ought to be
37. They were travelling on the same train so they………….... But, of course, we don’t know if they did.
A. could meet B. may have met C. might meet D. should probably meet
38. Carl…………...have been here by now. Maybe he got stuck in traffic.
A. might B. must C. should D. can’t
39. “Is that Paul? He must…………...from Australia.”
A. have returned B. returning C. had returned D. return
40. Jessica looks very tired. She…………...have stayed late to finish her assignment last night.
A. would B. must C. will D. should
41. You look so tired! You…………...out too late last night.
A. had to be B. should have been C. had been D. must have been
42. He said that the plane had already left and that I…………...an hour earlier.
A. must have arrived B. had to arrive C. should have arrived D. was supposed to arrive
43. James didn’t come to see us as planned and he didn’t even phone us. He …………...about the appointment.
A. can have forgotten B. might have forgotten C. should have forgotten D. must forget
44. You…………...the washing up. I could have done it to you.
A. hadn’t to do B. needn’t have done C. couldn’t have done D. mustn’t have done
45. You shouldn’t…………...to your teacher like that. It was very rude.
A. have talked B. talk C. have be talked D. talked
46. You…………...out yesterday without a coat. No wonder you caught a cold.
A. hadn’t gone B. didn’t go C. shouldn’t have gone D. mustn’t have gone
47. “You missed a good chance in your career.” “Yes, I…………...that job when Mr.Johnson offered.”
A. shall take B. shall have taken C. should take D. should have taken
48. “Did you finally paint your house?” “Yes. It should…………...a long time ago.”
A. have done B. be done C. have been done D. been done
49. It turned out that we…………...rushed to the airport as the plane was delayed for several hours.
A. hadn’t B. should have C. needn’t have D. mustn’t
50. You…………...me when I struggled. All you ever did was to stand and watch.
A. could have helped B. must have helped C. might have helped D. can have helped
Choose the underlined part among A, B, C or D that needs correcting.
51. Will I help you with this suitcase, madam?
A B C D

52. The student now realizes that he should ask more questions when he was in training for this job.
A B C D
53. We needed to go on foot because the car wouldn’t start.
A B C D
54. You didn’t have to write the letter; it was a waste of time because we have it in our computer.
A B C D
55. Carol couldn’t break her leg yesterday; she is always very careful.
A B C D
56. Is there enough wine to go round or will I bring another bottle?
A B C D
57. Could you mind telling me the way to the nearest restaurant?
A B C D
Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to
each of the following questions.
58. A new law may soon be passed to deal with the problem.
A. There’s a possibility that a new law will soon be passed to deal with the problem.
B. It is said that a new law will soon be passed to deal with the problem.
C. To deal with the problem, a new law must be passed soon.
D. The problem will soon be dealt with by a new law.
59. It is possible that we won’t have to take an entrance exam this year.
A. Perhaps we don’t have to take an entrance exam this year.
B. We mustn’t take an entrance exam this year.
C. We mightn’t take an entrance exam this year.
D. It is likely that we will take an entrance exam this year.
60. It would have been better if she had bought some sugar.
A. She should have bought some sugar.
B. She must have bought some sugar.
C. She might buy some sugar.
D. She might have bought some sugar.
61. Tom went on and on apologizing about it, which was quite unnecessary.
A. Tom can’t have apologized. I quite understand.
B. Tom shouldn’t have apologized. I quite understand.
C. Tom wouldn’t have apologized. I quite understand.
D. Tom needn’t have apologized. I quite understand.
62. It’s possible that she didn’t hear what I said.
A. She might have not heard what I said.
B. She might not hear what I said.
C. She may not hear what I said.
D. She may not have heard what I said.
63. It was a mistake for her to marry Peter.
A. She shouldn’t have married Peter.
B. She and Peter weren’t married in the right way.
C. Peter didn’t want to get married, so it was his mistake.
D. She ought to think again before she marries Peter.
64. We could have helped her out.
A. We didn’t help her when she had difficulty.
B. We succeeded in helping her out.
C. Although we didn’t help her, she managed to go out.
D. We could, so we helped her out.
65. The father needn’t have given the daughter too much money.
A. The father shouldn’t have given the daughter too much money.
B. The father knew that he didn’t have to give the daughter much money, so he didn’t.
C. The father didn’t have to give the daughter much money because he didn’t have to.
D. The daughter needed more money than the father gave her.
66. You shouldn’t have allowed them to watch too much TV.
A. You were wrong to let them watch too much TV.
B. You allowed them to watch too much TV which is wrong.
C. It was not interesting to allow them to watch too much TV.
D. Watching too much TV is not good for them.
67. We expected her to be here hours ago.
A. She ought to have been here hours ago.
B. She might have been here hours ago.
C. She is expected to be here hours ago.
D. She shouldn’t have been here hours ago.
68. Tom wished he had studied harder for his graduation exam.
A. Tom should have studied harder for his graduation exam.
B. Tom might have studied hard for his graduation exam.
C . Tom must have studied harder for his graduation exam.
D. Tom studied hard for his graduation exam but he failed.
69. It was wrong of you not to call the fire brigade at once.
A. The fire brigade was called at the wrong time.
B. You should have called the fire brigade at once.
C. You didn’t call the fire brigade and it was wrong.
D. Calling the fire brigade must be done at once.
70. I’m sure it wasn’t Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
A. It mustn’t have been Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
B. It can’t have been Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
C. It mightn’t be Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
D. It couldn’t be Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
71. James should have been told the news a long time ago.
A. James did not tell the news a long time ago.
B. James had not told the news for a long time.
C. James was not told the news although it was necessary for him.
D. James has not been told the news for a long time although he should know it.
72. Francis ought to have made more effort to locate his brother.
A. It is necessary for Francis to try harder if he wants to locate his brother.
B. Francis must have worked hard in order to locate his brother.
C. Francis didn’t try as hard as he should have to find his brother.
D. Francis has to make the effort himself if he wishes to find his brother.
73. It couldn’t have been Mary that you heard shouting last night, as she is vacationing in Vermont at the
moment.
A. I think Mary is on holiday in Vermont now, so you may be wrong in thinking that you heard her yelling last
night.
B. Right now, she is having a holiday in Vermont, so it is nearly impossible that it was Mary whose shouting
you heard last night.
C. Are you sure it was Mary who shouted to you last night, because, as far as I know, she is on vacation in
Vermont at the moment?
D. If it was Mary that you heard yelling last night, then she can’t be taking a vacation in Vermont at the
moment.
74. Jane was supposed to have taken her laptop to work this morning - she must have forgotten it.
A. Jane possibly forgot that she had to take her laptop with her to work this morning.
B. It is probable that Jane accidentally left her laptop here, as she had to take it to work this morning.
C. Jane really needs to remember to bring her laptop with her to work thi morning.
D. Jane may not have to remember to bring her laptop with her to work thi morning although she should have
done so.
75. Mike should have listened to your advice.
A. It was essential that Mike listen to your advice but he didn’t.
B. Mike shouldn’t listen to your advice.
C. Mike didn’t want to take your advice.
D. Mike has listened to your advice.
EXERCISE 3: DEDUCTION
Choose the best answer to complete each of the following sentences.
1. Tony…………….a university lecturer; he’s too young.
A. must be B. mustn’t be C. can’t be D. shouldn’t be
2. That…………….be my mobile - mine is silver and that one is black.
A. can’t B. shouldn’t C. wouldn’t D. mustn’t
3. I didn’t hear you come in last night. You…………….very quiet.
A. must have been B. must be C. should have been D. could have
4. How very lucky you were! You…………….in the crowd.
A. could get lost B. could have got lost C. didn’t lose D. could have lost
5. The boys we met on the train…………….soldiers on leave. They were young with very short haircuts.
A. could be B. may be C. had had to be D. may have been
6. Look at these photos. They…………….in Brazil or Columbia. Certainly not in Cuba.
A. could be taken B. might possibly have takenC. may have been taken D. might possibly be taken
7. Tom had a lucky escape. He…………..killed.
A. could have been B. must have been C. should have been D. had been
8. George won 5 medals at the competitions. His parents…………..very proud of him.
A. can’t be B. can’t have C. must have been D. couldn’t have been
9. You…………..have seen Jeff in the street because he is in Paris.
A. won’t B. couldn’t C. shouldn’t D. mustn’t
10. According to the fire chief, it still isn’t clear where the fire…………..but he believes that it………….. in the
storeroom.
A. starts - has started B. was starting - ought to start
C. started - might have started D. has started - would be starting
11. I can’t find my wallet.…………..it at home.
A. I must leave B. Might I have left C. Maybe I leave D. I might have left
12. Bob was absent; he…………..sick again.
A. must be B. must be being C. mustn’t have been D. must have been
13. She could…………..in the garage when we came around, which would explain why she didn’t hear the bell.
A. work B. be working C. have been worked D. have been working
14. They…………..have seen the play last night as they went to a football match instead.
A. could B. must C. might D. can’t
15. Jane wasn’t in when I arrived. I supposed…………..she I was coming.
A. must have forgotten B. must forget C. may forget D. can’t have forgotten
16. Tom: “I saw you studying at the library last night.” Mary: “You…………..seen me; I wasn’t there.”
A. wouldn’t have B. shouldn’t have C. couldn’t have D. mightn ’ t have
17. “Why is the ground so wet?” “It…………..last night.”
A. would rain B. would have rained C. should have rained D. must have rained
18. My wallet…………..at the station while I…………..for the train.
A. must have been stolen - was waiting B. should have stolen - had been waiting
C. will be stolen - am waiting D. had to steal - would be waiting
19. Jack…………..yet, otherwise he would have telephoned me.
A. mustn’t have arrived B. shouldn’t have arrived C. can’t have arrived D. needn’t have arrived
20. That style of dress…………..have been designed by Titian, because it wasn’t worn till after his death.
A. wouldn’t B. can’t C. shan’t D. oughtn’t
21.I can’t find my purse anywhere; I must…………..it at the cinema.
A. leave B. have left C. be leaving D. have been leaving
22. "Why wasn't your boyfriend at the party last night?" - "He…………..the lecture at Shaw Hall. I know he very
much wanted to hear the speaker."
A. should have attended B. can have attended C. was to attend D. may have attended
23. They laughed a lot last night. The film…………..have been very funny.
A. can B. would C. ought D. must
24. Her car’s outside so I suppose she…………..have arrived.
A. must B. can C. should D. ought
25. That cannot be a true story. He…………..it up.
A. can have made B. must have made C. would have made D. should have made
26. From that distance he…………..have made out who was involved in the incident.
A. mustn’t B. shouldn’t C. couldn’t D. oughtn’t to
Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest in meaning to
each of the following questions.
27. Andy can’t be having a bath.
A. Andy is not able to have a bath. B. Andy is not allowed to have a bath.
C. Andy will not be having a bath. D. It is impossible that Andy is having a bath.
28. I am sure that they are hungry now.
A. It’s possible that they are hungry now. B. They must be hungry now.
C. They must have been hungry now. D. They are told to be hungry now.
29. It’s impossible that John is at school right now.
A. John can’t be at school right now. B. John mustn’t be at school right now.
C. John mustn’t have been at school right now D. John can’t have been at school right now.
30. Nam was not at home either. Perhaps he went out with his girlfriend.
A. Nam must go out with his girlfriend. B. Nam probably goes out with his girlfriend.
C. Nam might have gone out with his girlfriend. D. It is sure that Nam went out with his girlfriend.
31. I am certain he finished all his exercises and went shopping.
A. He finishes all his exercises and goes shopping.
B. He must have finished all his exercises and gone shopping.
C. He might have finished all his exercises and gone shopping.
D. He can finish all his exercises and go shopping.
32. I am sure that Tina didn’t steal the money.
A. Tina couldn’t steal the money. B. Tina couldn’t have stolen the money.
C. Tina mustn’t have stolen the money. D. Tina shouldn’t have stolen the money.
33. The article must have been written by Kate.
A. Kate must write the article. B. It was Kate who writes the article.
C. The article must be written by Kate. D. Certainly Kate wrote the article.
34. I am sure Helen is playing the guitar now.
A. It is certainly for Helen to play the guitar now. B. Helen’s playing the guitar is now certain.
C. Helen must have played the guitar. D. Helen must be playing the guitar.
35. He could pay you a rise before the end of this year.
A. He would have enough money to give you a rise then.
B. He had the capacity to give you a rise.
C. He should not give you a rise before the end of the year.
D. I am not so sure but I think it is possible that he would give you a rise then.
36. He must have forgotten to come.
A. He is ordered to come later than others. B. It’s almost certain that he forgot to come.
C. It is impossible that he is late. D. He always forgets to come in time.
37. It couldn’t have been Joe you saw in town.
A. It was impossible that you saw Joe in town.
B. Joe mustn’t have been in town.
C. You shouldn’t have seen Joe in town.
D. Joe was not in town; you must have seen someone else.
38. It is possible that Mary has got lost.
A. There’s possibility that Mary will get lost. B. Mary may well have got lost.
C. Mary is likely to get lost. D. Mary must have got lost.
39. I’m sure it isn’t the engine; it’s just been checked.
A. It mustn’t be the engine; it’s just been checked. B. It mightn’t be the engine; it’s just been checked.
C. Perhaps it’s not the engine; it’s just been checked. D. It can’t be the engine; it’s just been checked.
40.I’m sure it wasn’t Mr. Phong you saw because he’s in Hanoi.
A. It couldn’t be Mr. Phong you saw because he’s in Hanoi.
B. You mustn’t have seen Mr. Phong because he’s in Hanoi.
C. It can’t have been Mr. Phong you saw because he’s in Hanoi.
D. Mr. Phong mightn’t see you because he’s in Hanoi.