Question

Choose the correct variant of the modal verb in brackets.
1. He … (can’t/couldn’t) open the window as it was stuck.
2. Interpreters … (may/must) translate without dictionaries.
3. … (Can/May) I use your bike for today?
4. … (May/Could) you give me the recipe for this cake?
5. I hardly ever see Jane, she … (may/might) have moved to Africa.
6. Take an umbrella. It … (may/can) rain.
7. You … (could/should) stop smoking. You know you … (cannot/must not) buy health.
8. You … (may/must) finish the article as soon as possible.
9. Liz doesn’t … (ought to/have to) keep to a diet anymore.
10. Lara … (can/might) get a playstation for her birthday.
11. You … (must not/needn’t) read in the dark.
12. My grandfather is retired, so he … (shouldn’t/doesn’t have to) go to work.
13. The fridge is full, so we … (must not/needn’t) go shopping.
14. Our employees … (can/must) sign this agreement.
15. We … (may/ought to) reserve a table in advance if we want to have dinner there.
16. I … (can’t/needn’t) believe it! You … (have to/must) be joking.
17. Ann … (must/is to) finish school next year.
18. Sorry, I’m late. I … (needed to/had to) wait for the plumber.
19. What time do we … (should/have to) be at the railway station?
20. Don’t wait for me tonight. I … (might/must) be late.
21. I … (maynot/can’t) watch this film. It’s too boring.
22. We’ve got a dishwasher, so you … (couldn’t/needn’t) wash-up.
23. You look very pale, I think you … (need/should) stay at home.
24. … (Could/Might) you, please, pass me the mustard?

Answer 1

1. сouldn’t

2. must

3. May

4. Could

5. might

6. may

7. should – cannot

8. must

9. have to

10. might

11. must not

12. doesn’t have to

13. needn’t

14. must

15. ought to

16. can’t – must

17. is to

18. had to

19. have to

20. might

21. can’t

22. needn’t

23. should

24. Could