MODAL VERBS EXERCISES - (ANSWER KEY)

1) Fill in the blanks with the positive or negative form of can, could and be able to.
2) She…can´t……………. Leave the hospital next week, they say.
3) I´m not sure whether he´s telling the truth. He…may/might…be lying.
4) I haven´t been able to…finish sewing this dress yet. I´ve been too busy this week.
5) She…can…take my key and let herself in later.
6) David…can / is able to play the piano and also the violin.
7) ……Could you please help me translate this letter?
8) You…can´t drive. It´s against the law if you have no driving licence.
9) We almost had an accident, fortunately, the driver...was able to stop in time.(difficult situation only be
able to is possible)
10) We could…go to Egypt for our holiday.What do you think?
11) Hijackers took control of the plane, but fortunately the crew was able to overpower them.(difficult
situation only be able to is possible)

12) Fill in the blanks with mustn´t or don´t have to /needn´t.

13) You……mustn´t……..play with matches! You´ll burn yourself!
14) We……don´t have to /needn´t pay this bill until the end of the month.
15) You……don´t have to /needn´t worry.I´ll take care of everything.
16) Drivers……mustn´t exceed the 90 kph speed limit.
17) Pupils don´t have to /needn´t go to school tomorrow.Workers are repairing the electrical system.
18) You.......mustn´t play with the knife! you´ll cut yourself.
19) I don´t have to /needn´t pay the telephone bill until next week

20) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of have to. There may be several possibilities.
21) I had to fill up the car last night. I was out of petrol.
22) The city council has to /will have to hold elections soon. The people are very unhappy with the present
situation.
23) He had to take an earlier flight The later one was full.
24) I have to try and lose some weight.I feel a little heavy.
25) Visitors to this factory have to wear hard hats when they enter the plant area.It´s a safety precaution.

Correct the following mistakes:

1. He must to be there by six o´clock. He must be.....(modals are not followed by to infinitive)
2. Do you like to go out tonight? Would you like to..........(polite request)
3. You don´t have to park here. it´s forbidden. You (can´t / mustn´t) park.....(lack of prohibition)
4. You should talked to him.he´s very upset.You should talk...... (infinitive)
5. He can be able to speak three languages. He is able to speak... / can speak..) (ability)
6. I had like some coffee, please. I would like.....(polite request)
7. You ought see a doctor. You ought to see...... (advise)
8. Did you can finish your work last night? Could you finish …/were you able to finish...?
9. Will you like some coffee? Would you like....?(polite request)