Modals Exercises with Answers

Modals are those quirky little words that add nuance and sophistication to your English. Words like “can,” “could,” “should,” “must,” and “will” – they express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and much more. But mastering their usage can be tricky! This blog is your guide to conquering modals with engaging exercises. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, you’ll find activities to challenge your understanding and improve your fluency in these Modals Exercises with Answers in this blog.

Modals Exercises with Answers

Here are five Modals exercises with answers, to help you understand English grammar better.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the most appropriate modal verbs

1. You ______ not touch that vase; it’s very fragile. (must / may not / can)
2. You ______ not touch that vase; it’s very fragile. (must / may not / can)
3. She ______ come to the party if she finishes her work. (can / must / might)
4. You ______ finish your homework before going out. (should / could / may)
5. He ______ speak three languages fluently. (can / must / should)

Answers:

1. Must Not
2. Would
3. Might
4. Should
5. Can

Exercise 2: Identify the type of modal verbs

Instructions: Identify the type of modal verbs used in the sentences

1. I can speak Spanish fluently.
2. Could you please pass the water?
3. You must act now to prevent further damage.
4. May I leave early today?
5. May I leave early today?

Answers:

1. Can, Ability
2. Could, Request
3. Must, Obligation
4. May, Permission
5. Should, Advice

Exercise 3: Complete the dialogues 

Instructions: Complete the dialogues using the most appropriate modal verbs.

1. A student (Maya) and a librarian (Mr. Sharma):

• Security Person: I’m really sorry, but no exceptions _____ (E-can/will) be made for prohibited items.

2. Ben: These math problems are so hard! I _______(A – will/may) fail if this question is asked in the test.
3. Teacher: Don’t worry, Ben. I ____ (B – could/may/will) help you.

Answers:

1. Can’t 
2. May
3. Will

Exercise 4 Check Modal Verb or Not

Instructions: Determine whether the modal verbs used are appropriate or not

1. I could learn French if I set aside more time to study.
2. You will clean your room by tonight, or else there will be consequences!
3. They must be exhausted after such a long journey.
4. She will prefer coffee over tea, please.

Answers:

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Correct
4. Incorrect (Correct Answer: She would prefer coffee over tea.)

Exercise 5: Rewrite Sentences

Instructions: Rewrite the sentences using the appropriate modal verbs

1. It is necessary for you to wear a helmet while riding a bike.
2. It is possible that she will join us later.
3. I suggest that you study harder for the exam.
4. It is not allowed to smoke in this building.
5. He has the ability to solve complex problems.

Answers:

1. You must wear a helmet while riding a bike.
2. She may join us later.
3. You should study harder for the exam.
4. You must not smoke in this building.
5. He can solve complex problems.

Also Read: What are Modal Verbs? Definition, Examples, Exercises

Modals Exercises with Answers for CBSE English Exam

Here are five additional Modals exercises with answers to help you ace your English exam.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence

1. You ______ finish your project by tomorrow if you want to submit it on time. (must / might / could)
2. She ______ go to the concert if she gets a ticket. (can / may / must)
3. They ______ have taken the wrong train; they are late. (might / must / can’t)
4. I ______ help you with your homework if you need it. (can / should / must)
5. He ______ be at the office right now; he left an hour ago. (can’t / might not / should not)

Answers:

1. Must
2. May
3. Must
4. Can
5. Can’t

Exercise 2: Rewrite the sentences

Instructions: Rewrite the sentences using the appropriate modal verbs

1. It is necessary for you to submit your assignment by Friday.
2. It is possible that she will attend the meeting tomorrow.
3. You are advised to take a break if you feel tired.
4. It is not allowed to park here.
5. He has the ability to solve this problem quickly.

Answers:

1. You must submit your assignment by Friday.
2. She may attend the meeting tomorrow.
3. You should take a break if you feel tired.
4. You must not park here.
5. He can solve this problem quickly.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks

Instructions: Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal verb from the options provided.

1. You ______ (must / can / might) wear a seatbelt while driving.
2. She ______ (should / could / must) have left already; her car is gone.
3. They ______ (can’t / may / should) join us for dinner if they finish work early.
4. He ______ (might / must not / can) be at home; I saw his car outside.
5. You ______ (may / must / could) try asking her for help.

Answers:

1. Must
2. Must
3. May
4. Might
5. Could

Exercise 4: Rewrite the Sentences

Instructions: Rewrite the following sentences using the appropriate modal verbs.

1. It is necessary for you to complete your project by next week.
2. It is possible that they will come to the party.
3. You are advised to check your work before submitting it.
4. It is not allowed to smoke in this area.
5. He has the ability to run very fast.

Answers:

1. You must complete your project by next week.
2. They may come to the party.
3. You should check your work before submitting it.
4. You must not smoke in this area.
5. He can run very fast.

Exercise 5: Choose the Correct Modal Verb

Instructions: Choose the correct modal verb from the options provided to complete each sentence.

1. You ______ (must / might / can) finish your homework before you go out to play.
2. He ______ (should / must not / may) forget to bring his passport when traveling abroad.
3. They ______ (can’t / might / should) be at the meeting; they left an hour ago.
4. She ______ (could / must / may) help you with that project if you ask her nicely.
5. You ______ (might not / must / can) want to check the weather before going hiking.

Answers:

1. must – You must finish your homework before you go out to play.
2. must not – He must not forget to bring his passport when traveling abroad.
3. can’t – They can’t be at the meeting; they left an hour ago.
4. could – She could help you with that project if you ask her nicely.
5. might – You might want to check the weather before going hiking.

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