Alejandro

English

Modal verbs exercises

Rewrite each sentence so that it contains can, could, must, have to or should, including negative forms.

Underline the correct word or phrase in each sentence.

a) Look at those clouds. I think it can/might/must rain.

b) This is impossible! It cant be/mustnt be/may not be the answer.
c) Well done! You may be/must be/might be very pleased!
d) Ive no idea where Jane is. She could be/must be anywhere!
e) I suppose its possible. I might/can/must come to your party.
f)

Im not sure. I must not/may not be able to come to your party.

g) That cant be/mustnt be/may not be David. He hasnt got a bike.

h) Lisa isnt here yet. She can be/must be on her way.
i)

Theres someone at the door. It can be/could be the postman.

j)

Sorry, I cant come/may not come out tonight. I have to do my homework.

k) I must/might/can buy a laptop soon it depends.

l)

Lets send them an email. I think I cant/might/mustnt have the address.

m) They arent out there, so they can/cant/must be waiting outside.

n) He cant speak Portuguese. He cant/mustnt/may be Brazilian.
o) If we cant get tickets here, we can/must/couldnt go to the other cinema instead.
p) Shes always got the latest equipment she must/might/can have a lot of money.

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Alejandro
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Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word given. Use between two and five words.

Do the modal verbs express ability or permission?

a) My sister was on the computer last night, so I couldnt connect to the Internet. __________
b) You can borrow my laptop if you promise to be careful with it. __________
c) You cant go online without a router. __________
d) I wont be able to send you the pictures until next Saturday. __________
e) Were you able to fix that problem with your computer? __________
f)

Ill be able to borrow the car my parents said its OK. __________

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Alejandro
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Rewrite each sentence so that it does not contain the phrase underlined.

Rewrite each sentence using modal verbs.

a) Sarah is really good at swimming.

Sarah _________________________________________ well.
b) Its possible that our team will win.
Our team _________________________________________ win.
c) Im sure this isnt the right road.
This _________________________________________ the right road.
d) Im sure you work very hard!
You _________________________________________ very hard.
e) Caroline isnt allowed to come to our party.
Caroline _________________________________________ to our party.
f)

Its possible that Ill see you tomorrow, but Im not sure.

I _________________________________________, but Im not sure.

g) Im afraid that your teacher is unable to come today.
Im afraid that _________________________________________ today.
h) Im sure its very hot here in summer.
It _________________________________________ here in summer.
i)

Excuse me, is it all right if I open the window?

Excuse me, _________________________________________ the window?

j)

I suppose youre Mrs. Perry. How do you do?

You _________________________________________ Mrs. Perry. How do you do?

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Alejandro
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k) Do you know how to break the code?

_________________________________________ break the code?
l)

Students are allowed to borrow these books.

Students _________________________________________ borrow these books.

m) Ive tried to contact Joe, but without success.
I _________________________________________ contact Joe yet.
n) It wasnt possible for me to copy your CD.
I _________________________________________ copy your CD.
o) Itll be easy to burn CDs with this program.
You _________________________ burn CDs easily with this program.
p) It wont be a problem to send an email later.
I _________________________________________ send an email later.
q) If I were you, I would complain.
You _________________________________________ complaint.
r)

It wasn't necessary to hit the boy, but Peter did.

Peter _________________________________________ the boy.

s) Is it possible to reach the top on foot?
_________________________________________?
t)

Im sure she hasn't been going out with him.

She _________________________________________
u) Would it be possible for me to use your phone for a second time?
_________________________________________?
v) You'd better not stay under that balcony.
You _________________________________________.
w) Where's Hugh? I don't know. Perhaps he's gone out to fetch the paper.
I don't know. He _________________________________________
x) She's too stupid! Im sure he won't fall in love with her.
He _________________________________________.
y) Sally: we were seven people travelling in the same car for more that 300 km.
John: I guess the journey wasn't a very comfortable one.
It _________________________________________ journey
z) She wishes you had helped her with her paper.
You _________________________________________.
aa) Dogs are not allowed in this restaurant.
Dogs _________________________________________.
bb) Perhaps you'll pass your exam if you study a bit more.
You _________________________________________.
cc) He is completely sure she was there when he arrived.
She _________________________________________.

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Alejandro
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dd) It wasn't necessary for them to buy a new car. They could have repaired the old one.
They _________________________________________
ee) It wasn't easy at the beginning but then I understood it.
ff) Firstly l ______________________________ but eventually ______________________________.
gg) It is unnecessary for you to change your dress.
You need _________________________________________.
hh) It was wrong of you to speak like that.
You _________________________________________.
ii) Ive never been to Rome. It's impossible we met there.
We _________________________________________.
jj) Dave isnt answering the phone. Im sure he is out.
Dave _________________________________________.
kk) Perhaps you are right but I dont think so.
You _________________________________________.
ll) Carol knows a lot about films. Im sure she goes to the cinema a lot.
Carol _________________________________________.
mm)

Its impossible that he knows it. I didnt tell him.

He _________________________________________.
Complete the sentences. Use the affirmative or negative form of the verbs in the list. More than one answer may be possible.

have to must need (to) ought to should

a) You __________ be over eighteen to get a credit card.
b) In Spain, you __________ drive on the left.
c) You __________ pay on that website its free.
d) You _______________ give any personal details its optional.
e) Youve been studying for hours. You __________ have a rest.
f)

You __________ touch that red cable its dangerous.

g) You__________spend so much time online.

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Alejandro
English

Rewrite each sentence.

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Alejandro
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Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the words given. Do not change
the word given. You must use between two and five words.

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Alejandro
English

Rewrite each sentence so that it contains cant, might, must, should or neednt.

Rewrite each sentence beginning as shown.

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Alejandro
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Alejandro
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Agree with what people say. Use might have, mightnt have, could have or couldnt have. Sometimes more than one
answer is correct.

a) Perhaps the missing girl has run away from home.

Yes,
b) The computer didnt make a mistake. Thats impossible.
No, the computer
c) Its possible that Louise didnt receive our message.
No, she
d) I suppose its possible the thief had a key.
Yes, he
e) Perhaps Phil has missed the train.
Yes,
f)

Its possible that the driver didnt see the warning sign.

Yes,
Put in must have or cant have and the past participle of the verb given.

Mike: I cant wind the film on this camera.

Robert: You (finish) __

__ the film, then.

Mike: I (use) ________________a whole film. Ive only taken four photos!
Robert: Well, you (put) ________________ the film correctly, then. You (do) ________________ it wrong.
Write a sentence with should/ought to or should have/ought to have.

a) Jeremy didnt lock his door when he went out.

He should have locked it.
b) Mr. Little smokes at meal times.
He
c) The picnickers left litter everywhere.
They
d) Sue didnt look before crossing the road.
She
e) Alan never says hello to people.
He
f)

Mary was late for her job interview.

She
Put in might have, shouldnt have, must have and cant have with the past participle of the verbs.

A: Theres a parcel outside. The postman (leave) ________________ it.

B: Well, he (leave) __________ it outside. Someone (take) _______________ it. Why didnt he ring the bell?
A: He always rings. You (be) ________________ out when he came.
B: I havent been out. So he (ring) ________________ the bell.

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Alejandro
English

Rewrite the sentences.

a) You arent allowed to copy these DVDs.

You
b) It isnt necessary to go online.
You
c) It isnt a good idea to leave the computer on.
You
d) Its important that I remember to read my emails
I
e) Theres no obligation that I remember to read my emails.
I
f)

Theres no obligation to pay on that website.

You
g) I recommend that you get some antivirus software.
You
h) Its compulsory to show your identification.
You
i)

Its necessary to enter a password.

You
j)

It isnt necessary to phone before you visit me.

You
k) Perhaps John is at school now.
John
l)

Taking the book without permission was the wrong thing to do

You
m) Chewing gum is forbidden in class.
You
n) I suggest you get a second opinion.
You
o) He isnt here. Perhaps he went home.
He
p) If you want my advice, see a doctor!
You
q) The teacher allows students to leave early on Fridays.
Students
r)

My coat needs dry-cleaning. I will take it tomorrow.

I
s) A driving licence is not necessary for the job.
You
t)

Perhaps the post will arrive soon.

The post
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Alejandro
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u) She hasnt called me. She probably didnt remember my number.

She
v) He was here a moment ago. I am sure you saw him.
You
w) Perhaps he telephoned, but I was out earlier.
He
x) Maybe he didnt want to meet us.
He
y) It was stupid of Alan to be rude to his boss.
Alan
z) You made a big mistake leaving the car unlocked.
You
aa) It will not be necessary for them to book the tickets for the concert.
They
bb) It is not necessary for you to bring the equipment.
You
cc) Would you like me to put some more wood in the fire while you are out?
Shall
dd) It is not necessary for her to buy everything.
She
ee) It wasnt necessary for him to go to the meeting.
He
ff) Would you like us to type these notes for you?
Shall
gg) It would have been better if she had not spoken like that.
She should
hh) Can I cut the grass for you?
Shall
ii) Can people under 18 drink alcohol in the United Kingdom?
Are
jj) It cant be a problem to climb the wall.
It
kk) Would you like us to help you?
Shall
ll) Kindly tell that old woman where the main office is, please.
Would
mm)

They didnt let us go into our own house.

We werent
nn) It would have been better if we hadnt moved.
We should

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Alejandro
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oo) Do you want us to buy the newspaper from the shop today?
Shall
pp) They didnt let her speak to the audience.
She wasnt
qq) He cant smoke in the underground.
He
rr) If you want my advice, go to the dentist!
You
ss) Will you close the door when you leave, please?
Do you mind
tt) In my opinion, taking some exercise would be good for you.
You
uu) He knows how to play tennis.
He
vv) Its not necessary for you to make your bed.
You
ww)Smoking is forbidden in hospitals.
You
xx) Will you post this letter for me, please?
Do you mind
yy) Im sure they are at home. The lights are on.
They
zz) Maybe your friend will call you on your birthday.
Your friend
aaa)

They dont allow smoking in this room.

You
bbb)

Im sure shes telling lies.

She
ccc)

Perhaps they only open the museum in the morning.

They
ddd)

Its possible that her boyfriend is coming to the wedding.

Her boyfriend
eee)

I would like you to read this letter.

Would you mind

fff) In no country are you allowed to trade with drugs.
Drugs are
ggg) I wish you had warned me about that.
You
hhh) No smoking is allowed in this area.
You

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Alejandro
English

iii) We don't have to do all the exercises.

We
jjj) You'd better arrive in time.
You
kkk) I'm absolutely sure she hasn't gone out with him.
She
lll) It would have been a good idea to apologize.
We
mmm) Perhaps I won't be at home this evening.
I
nnn) Come here before midnight.
You
ooo) You didn't stop at the traffic lights!
You
ppp) Perhaps they went home earlier.
They
qqq) Why did she take a bus? It's just a two minutes' walk.
She
rrr) Ill sort it out. You don't have to bother.
Ill sort it out. You
sss) Please let me have a look at your paper.
Can
ttt) Nobody is allowed to enter the AVE platform without a ticket.
You
uuu) I guess this teacher is rather boring. Hardly anybody attends her lessons.
This teacher
vvv) Do you want me to help you tidy up?
Would
www) Can you tell me about the course?
I would
xxx) I want a cup of coffee.
I would
yyy) He hates travelling.
He can't
zzz) My advice is to buy a computer.
You
a) I believe that there is a service station about 20 km from here.
There
b) You are obligated to stop at the stop sign.
You

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Alejandro
English

c) Travelling at more than 120 mph is prohibited.

You
d) It's a good idea for you to eat less meat and more vegetables.
You
e) I have to get up early tomorrow morning.
I
f)

I know how to speak a little German.

I
g) When I was young I didnt get permission to study what I wanted
When I was young I
h) You are prohibited from entering this building.
You
i)

It's possible that Sonia knows the answer.

Sonia
j)

People aren't able to speak a language without knowing the vocabulary.

People
k) My advice is that you buy the Ford.
You
l)

I'm sure John locked the office before leaving. He always does .

John
m) If I were you I would tell him the truth.
You
n) It isn't necessary for her to phone me back.
She
o) Anne finished the project on her own although it wasn't necessary to do so
Anne
p) Its a pity I sold the house
If only
q) Perhaps we'll go swimming tomorrow
We
r)

I think Mary is probably at home because the windows are open

Mary
s) Perhaps John knew about the trip, but I'm not sure.
John
t)

I'm sure he didn't lock the door. He never does.

He
u) Perhaps she was at work when the earthquake struck.
She
v) Perhaps we'll rent our house in summer.
We

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Alejandro
English

w) It's absolutely necessary that we finish the article today.

We
x) It wasn't necessary for him to behave like that.
He
y) You cannot smoke in the underground; it's forbidden.
You
z) It's quite possible that they went away last weekend.
They
aa) I'm sure Ann didn't send that letter.
Ann
bb) I didnt accept his offer and now I regret it.
I
cc) It is essential that we talk before the meeting starts.
We
dd) I don't think Ann robbed the money. It's impossible.
Ann
ee) Why don't we go on a camping trip?
We
ff) Let's go to Diagonal Mar!
We
gg) Perhaps they told John about the party, but I'm not sure.
They
hh) It isn't necessary for us to book a table; I know one of the waiters .
We
ii) It's forbidden to drive without fastening your seatbelt
You
jj) It's impossible that they knew about the trip; nobody told them .
They
kk) If I were you I'd do some more exercises.
You
ll) Perhaps I go on holiday to MenorcaI
mm)

It was a mistake to take the car. If only I hadn't!

I
nn) I'm sure something is happening tonight. Look at those preparations!
Something
oo) It's compulsory for all students to attend lessons
Students
pp) It's possible that they move to Australia.
They

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Alejandro
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qq) I'm sure Helen knows about the accident. She looks very unhappy.
Helen
rr) Perhaps he hired a van.
He
ss) You are not allowed to use the phone without permission.
You
tt) If I were you I wouldn't trust John.
You
uu) I'm sure she didn't take the key.
She
vv) Perhaps I start a new career.
I
ww)It was not necessary for you to tell Jan what really happened.
You
xx) I regret selling the house.
I
yy) It's compulsory for all visitors to show their ID card.
All visitors
zz) It wont be necessary for them to write to the office again.
They

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Alejandro
English

Extra) Rephrasing practice.

If you want my advice, get a good lawyer!

A university degree isnt necessary for that job.
He can only leave work at ten oclock tonight.
Perhaps my father will pick you up.
It isnt necessary to make an appointment at the hairdressers.
Eating is forbidden in class.
The boss allows the workers to have one afternoon off a week.
Dont take the CD without asking permission.
My car needs cleaning. Ill take it tomorrow.
Do you want to go to St Moritz this winter?
She hasnt phoned. Perhaps she is abroad.
Perhaps Mike will be too busy to see us.
I expect her to pass her driving test. She drives well.
I suggest you go and see a doctor.
It puzzles me why he hasnt come to visit.
Do you want me to help you?
I want some coffee, please.
Can I use your pen?
This year I want to learn how to water-ski.
Do you want to eat out tonight?

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Alejandro
English

We used to help each other when we were younger.

Shall I call the doctor for you?
Please say that again.
I'm sure John locked the office before leaving. He always does.
If I were you I would tell him the truth.
It isn't necessary for her to phone me back.
Ann finished the project on her own although it wasn't necessary to do so.
It was a mistake to sell the house. I wish I hadn't.
Perhaps we'll go swimming tomorrow.
I think Mary is probably at home because the windows are open.
Perhaps John knew about the trip, but I'm not sure.
I'm sure he didn't lock the door. He never does.
Perhaps she was at work when the earthquake struck.
Perhaps we'll rent our house in summer.
It's absolutely necessary that we finish the article today.
It wasn't necessary for him to behave like that.
You cannot smoke in the underground; it's forbidden.
It's quite possible that they went away last weekend.
I'm sure Ann didn't send that letter.
It was a mistake not to accept his offer. I wish I had.
It is essential that we talk before the meeting starts.
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Alejandro
English

I don't think Ann robbed the money. It's impossible.

Why don't we go on a camping trip?
Let's go to Diagonal Mar!
Perhaps they told John about the party, but I'm not sure.
It isn't necessary for us to book a table; I know one of the waiters.
It's forbidden to drive without fastening your seatbelt.
It's impossible that they knew about the trip; nobody told them.
If I were you I'd do some more exercises.
It was a mistake to take the car. If only I hadn't!
I'm sure something is happening tonight. Look at those preparations!
It's compulsory for all students to attend lessons.
It's possible that they move to Australia.
I'm sure Helen knows about the accident. She looks very unhappy.
Perhaps he hired a car.
You are not allowed to use the phone without permission.
If I were you I wouldn't trust John.
I'm sure she didn't take the key.
It was not necessary for you to tell Jan what really happened.
I regret selling the house.
It's compulsory for all visitors to show their ID card.

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