Modal Verbs Worksheet

Instructions: Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence.

1. I __________ swim very well when I was younger. (Past ability)

a) can
b) could
c) would
Answer: b) could

2. You __________ study harder if you want to pass the exam. (Advice, suggestion, or
recommendation)
a) can
b) should
c) may
Answer: b) should

3. He __________ have left his keys at home. (Possibility or uncertainty)

a) can
b) should
c) might
Answer: c) might

4. They __________ go to the beach tomorrow if the weather is nice. (Permission or possibility)
a) would
b) may
c) must
Answer: b) may

5. She __________ play the piano when she was a child. (Ability in the past)
a) can
b) could
c) would
Answer: b) could
6. You __________ call your mother more often. (Give advice or make a recommendation)
a) should
b) must
c) would
Answer: a) should

7. They __________ be lost. Let's ask for directions. (Possibility or uncertainty)

a) can
b) will
c) might
Answer: c) might

8. I __________ go to the doctor tomorrow if my headache doesn't go away. (Permission or

possibility)
a) can
b) may
c) should
Answer: b) may

9. He __________ be late because he always takes his time. (Possibility or uncertainty)

a) can
b) should
c) might
Answer: c) might

10. We __________ leave now if we want to catch the train. (Give advice or make a
recommendation)
a) can
b) must
c) should
Answer: c) should
Answer Key:

Here are the explanations for the correct answers in the modal verbs worksheet:

1. b) could: "Could" is used to describe ability in the past, so it is the correct modal verb to use in this
sentence.

2. b) should: "Should" is used to give advice or make a recommendation, so it is the correct modal verb
to use in this sentence.

3. c) might: "Might" is used to express possibility or uncertainty, so it is the correct modal verb to use in
this sentence.

4. b) may: "May" is used to express permission or possibility, so it is the correct modal verb to use in
this sentence.

5. b) could: "Could" is used to describe ability in the past, so it is the correct modal verb to use in this
sentence.

6. a) should: "Should" is used to give advice or make a recommendation, so it is the correct modal verb
to use in this sentence.

7. c) might: "Might" is used to express possibility or uncertainty, so it is the correct modal verb to use in
this sentence.

8. b) may: "May" is used to express permission or possibility, so it is the correct modal verb to use in
this sentence.

9. c) might: "Might" is used to express possibility or uncertainty, so it is the correct modal verb to use in
this sentence.

10. c) should: "Should" is used to give advice or make a recommendation, so it is the correct modal
verb to use in this sentence.
1. I could swim very well when I was younger.
2. You should study harder if you want to pass the exam.
3. He might have left his keys at home.
4. They may go to the beach tomorrow if the weather is nice.
5. She could play the piano when she was a child.
6. You should call your mother more often.
7. They might be lost. Let's ask for directions.
8. I may go to the doctor tomorrow if my headache doesn't go away.
9. He might be late because he always takes his time.
10. We should leave now if we want to catch the train.