Modal Verbs Ex 1,2,3
Hana Neel Zacal Magallanes Can, Could, and Be Able To
These modal verbs are usually used to show ability.
We use CAN to talk about things that we are able to do in the present or the immediate future.
For example:
I can speak two languages.
She can help you with your homework later today.
They can dance all night long!
We use COULD to talk about what we were able to do in the past and to talk about ability in conditionals. We also use it for polite requests.
For example:
When I was young, I could eat tons of ice cream!
Many years ago, people could travel without passports.
Could you pass me the salt, please?
If we have enough time, we could go to the park later.
We use BE ABLE TO in formal sentences and with the perfect tenses and other modal verbs.
For example:
She will be able to buy some new shoes soon.
The President is able to veto laws if he chooses to do so.
I have never been able to understand this subject!
Must, Might, May, Need to, and Have To
These modal verbs are usually used to express obligation and possibility.
We use MUST to talk about obligations and when we are sure something is true (deduction).
For example:
The students must finish their reports by Friday.
You must eat your vegetables!
He is not home yet. He must be on his way.
We use MIGHT and MAY to say that something is possible, but not sure.
For example:
It may rain later.
The kids might like carrots, but I'm not sure.
We also use may to talk about permission.
For example:
You may have a cookie after dinner.
We use NEED TO and HAVE TO for obligations, especially with the perfect tenses and other modal verbs.
For example:
Young people have always had to listen to their parents!
You will need to finish reading this book by tomorrow.
NEED TO usually talks about things that the speaker thinks are necessary.
For example:
All my clothes are dirty! I need to do some laundry.
I am so tired! I need to take a nap.
HAVE TO usually talks about things that someone else tells the speaker are necessary.
For example:
My boss told me I have to work this weekend!
The doctor said I have to exercise more.
Exercise A: Can, Could, or Be Able To?
Choose the correct modal verb to complete each sentence.
1. I don't think I will have much work next week. I think I will ______________ take a day off.
2. Excuse me, ______________ you tell me where the bus station is?
3. They haven't ______________ solve the problem yet.
4. She ______________ play the flute and the guitar.
5. When we were younger, we ______________ watch movies all afternoon! Now we think it's boring.
Exercise B: Must, Might, or May?
Choose the correct modal verb to complete the sentence under each picture. Sometimes more than one answer is correct.
1. Oh no, I think they _______________ be hurt! But I'm not sure.
2. They look just the same! I am sure that boy ______________ be his son.
3. That looks delicious, and I am so hungry! ______________ I have some?
4. He is running very well! I think he ______________ win!
5. That looks like fun! ____________ we paint some eggs with you?
Exercise C: Need to or Have To?
Complete the sentences with need to or have to.
1. Wow, my house is a mess! I really ______________ clean a bit!
2. Professor, do we ______________ finish all the exercises on the test?
3. The judge said that he will ______________ make a formal apology to the public on television.
4. If you want to camp in the park, you _____________ pay for a permit first.
5. I have worked too long! I _____________ take a break!
Other worksheets of English language: Verbs
