Modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, ought to, need) add meanings such as ability, permission, advice, obligation, possibility and requests. The verb after a modal has no to and no -s. The answer key is at the end.
Learn the rules first: Mastering Modal Verbs: Ability, Permission, Advice, and Possibility · Past Modals & Modal Perfects: Must Have, Should Have, Could Have
Practise online, with instant answers: Modal Verbs practice test (Basic) · Modal Verbs practice test (Intermediate)
Modals Worksheet with Answers
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A. Choose the modal
Circle the correct modal verb.
- You (must / may) stop at a red light.
- (Could / Must) you pass the salt, please?
- She (can / may) speak three languages.
- It (might / must) rain this evening, so take an umbrella.
- You (mustn't / needn't) shout in the library.
- You (needn't / mustn't) bring lunch; food will be served.
- (Shall / Will) I open the window?
- When I was young, I (could / can) climb trees.
- You (ought / should) to respect your elders.
- (May / Must) I borrow your pen, sir?
B. What does the modal show?
Write what the modal expresses: ability, permission, advice, obligation, possibility or request.
- I can ride a bicycle.
- May I come in?
- You should drink more water.
- Students must wear the uniform.
- He may be at home now.
- Would you help me with this box?
C. Complete with a modal
Fill in the blank with a suitable modal: can, could, may, might, must, should or would.
- __________ you like some tea?
- You look tired. You __________ take some rest.
- He has a fever, so he __________ not come to school today.
- I __________ not find my keys anywhere yesterday.
- Everyone __________ follow the traffic rules.
D. Correct the mistakes
Each sentence has one mistake. Write the sentence correctly.
- She can sings very well.
- He musts leave now.
- We should to save water.
- Can you to help me?
Answer Key
A. Choose the modal
- must
- Could
- can
- might
- mustn't
- needn't
- Shall
- could
- ought
- May
B. What does the modal show?
- ability
- permission
- advice
- obligation
- possibility
- request
C. Complete with a modal
- Would
- should
- may (or might)
- could
- must (or should)
D. Correct the mistakes
- She can sing very well.
- He must leave now.
- We should save water.
- Can you help me?