Grade 4 English Language Arts — Modals of obligation and probability

Say how strong an obligation is with must, have to, should and ought to, and say how sure you are with must, might and cannot.

Name: ________________________

1.Put these three sentences in order, starting with the one where the speaker is most certain the answer is no, and ending with the one where the speaker is most certain the answer is yes.
- That might be her handwriting.
- That must be her handwriting.
- That cannot be her handwriting.
2.Which sentence gives advice in the mildest way?
- a) You cannot see a doctor.
- b) You must see a doctor.
- c) You ought to see a doctor.
- d) You have to see a doctor.
3.The classroom lights are off and the door is locked. Where is the class?
- a) They must be inside.
- b) They should be inside.
- c) They have to be inside.
- d) They cannot be inside.
4.Match each sentence to what the speaker is really telling you.
- You must hand it in by Friday.
- You should hand it in by Friday.
- She must be at practice.
- She might be at practice.
- She cannot be at practice.
- I am certain that is where she is
- That is one possibility among several
- There is no choice about it
- I am certain that is not where she is
- That would be the sensible thing
5.Sort each sentence by how sure the speaker is.
Groups: Sure it is true · Not sure either way · Sure it is not true
- That cannot be Ravi — he left for Delhi last week.
- It cannot be six already; the bell has not rung.
- He might be waiting at the other gate.
- She could still be on the earlier bus.
- Her bag is here, so she must be inside.
- The lights are on, so somebody must be at home.
6.The rule is printed on the ticket and there is no way round it. Which sentence fits?
- a) Passengers ought to carry their tickets.
- b) Passengers must carry their tickets.
- c) Passengers should carry their tickets.
- d) Passengers might carry their tickets.
7.Sort each sentence by what its modal verb is doing.
Groups: Says there is no choice · Gives advice
- You should get more sleep before the exam.
- Visitors have to sign the register at the gate.
- Every rider must wear a helmet.
- I think you should ask your teacher first.
- You ought to apologize to her.
- Passengers must show their tickets to the guard.
8.Fill the gap so that the sentence means there is no need at all: "There is plenty of time — we ____ leave before six."

Answer key — Grade 4 English Language Arts — Modals of obligation and probability

1. 1. That cannot be her handwriting. 2. That might be her handwriting. 3. That must be her handwriting.
2. c) You ought to see a doctor.
3. d) They cannot be inside.
4. You must hand it in by Friday. → There is no choice about it; You should hand it in by Friday. → That would be the sensible thing; She must be at practice. → I am certain that is where she is; She might be at practice. → That is one possibility among several; She cannot be at practice. → I am certain that is not where she is
5. Her bag is here, so she must be inside. → Sure it is true; The lights are on, so somebody must be at home. → Sure it is true; He might be waiting at the other gate. → Not sure either way; She could still be on the earlier bus. → Not sure either way; That cannot be Ravi — he left for Delhi last week. → Sure it is not true; It cannot be six already; the bell has not rung. → Sure it is not true
6. b) Passengers must carry their tickets.
7. Every rider must wear a helmet. → Says there is no choice; You should get more sleep before the exam. → Gives advice; Visitors have to sign the register at the gate. → Says there is no choice; You ought to apologize to her. → Gives advice; Passengers must show their tickets to the guard. → Says there is no choice; I think you should ask your teacher first. → Gives advice
8.
- do not have to
- don't have to
- need not
- needn't
- do not need to
- don't need to