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Class 7 English — Modal verbs

Choose the modal verb that carries the right meaning — ability, permission, obligation, advice or possibility.

Name: ________________________

  1. 1.Write one modal verb: I am not sure, but it ____ rain this evening.

  2. 2.Which sentence gives advice?

    • a) You might park here.
    • b) You can park here.
    • c) You should park closer to the gate.
    • d) You must park here.

  3. 3.Write one modal verb: When she was five, she ____ already swim well.

  4. 4.Write the modal that shows there is no choice at all: Visitors ____ sign the register before entering.

  5. 5.Sort each sentence by what it is doing.

    Groups: Asking permission · Talking about a possibility

    • The bus might be late.
    • Could I borrow this book?
    • There may be a test tomorrow.
    • May I open the window?

  6. 6.It is the law: every rider ____ wear a helmet.

    • a) may
    • b) might
    • c) can
    • d) must

  7. 7.Sort each sentence by what its modal verb is doing.

    Groups: Ability · Obligation · Advice

    • You should drink more water.
    • Passengers must show a ticket.
    • She can play the flute.
    • You must wear a helmet — it is the law.
    • You should apologise if you are late.
    • I can swim across the pool.

  8. 8.Match each modal verb to the meaning it carries.

    • can
    • could
    • must
    • should
    • may
    • might
    • the wise or right thing to do
    • being able to do something in the past
    • being able to do something now
    • being allowed to do something
    • something that is only possible
    • having no choice about something

Answer key — Class 7 English — Modal verbs

  1. 1.
    • might
    • may
    • could
  2. 2. c) You should park closer to the gate.
  3. 3. could
  4. 4.
    • must
    • have to
  5. 5. May I open the window? → Asking permission; The bus might be late. → Talking about a possibility; Could I borrow this book? → Asking permission; There may be a test tomorrow. → Talking about a possibility
  6. 6. d) must
  7. 7. I can swim across the pool. → Ability; You must wear a helmet — it is the law. → Obligation; You should drink more water. → Advice; She can play the flute. → Ability; Passengers must show a ticket. → Obligation; You should apologise if you are late. → Advice
  8. 8. can → being able to do something now; could → being able to do something in the past; must → having no choice about something; should → the wise or right thing to do; may → being allowed to do something; might → something that is only possible