Valmes English Corner

Modal Verbs
MUST, HAVE TO, SHOULD, OUGHT TO, CAN, NEEDNT

A. Choose the correct alternatives.

1. People can / have to be fit if they want to climb high mountains.
2. In my opinion, you have to / should do a less violent sport, like table tennis.
3. We neednt / mustnt take any food with us because well be back by lunchtime.
4. I can / ought to train more often, but I dont have time.
5. The club rules say that you ought to / have to be 18 to join.
6. You neednt / mustnt close your eyes when you dive into the swimming pool because you might hit
somebody.
7. My grandmother can / ought to still swim 1000 metres. Shes amazing!

B. Complete the sentences with the modal verbs. Use CAN, HAVE TO, MUSTNT, NEEDNT,
SHOULD OR SHOULDNT.
1. The views from the mountain top will be wonderful, so I think you _______________ take your
camera.
2. You ______________ go into the water because the current is too strong. Its very dangerous.
3. You _________________ obtain a special permit to climb in China or you wont be allowed to
climb.
4. In my opinion, you ____________________ swim so soon after eating your lunch.
5. I ___________________ fly planes now because Ive finished my flying lessons.
6. You ___________________ take a coat with you because it will be hot today.

MAY, MIGHT, COULD, MUST, CANT

C. Choose the correct modal verb.
1. Try to smile more often. It could / must improve your health.
2. She does a lot of exercise, so she must / cant be very fit.
3. This comedian might / must get funnier later in the show, but I dont think he will.
4. I may / cant go to the gym this evening. If I do, Ill phone you.
5. There must / may be a connection between laughing a lot and having good health, although
scientists arent completely sure.
6. They might / cant be here already! Its far too early.
7. Why dont you come to the theatre with me? You must / might enjoy it.

Modal verbs: past forms

D. Translate the sentences into your language.

1. I could drive a mini-motorbike when I was ten years old.
-_________________________________________________________________________
2. The climbers had to wait six hours for the helicopter to rescue them.
-_________________________________________________________________________
3. Sarah and Mike ought to have told somebody where they were going.
-_________________________________________________________________________
4. The journey across the lake wasnt dangerous so you neednt have worried.
-_________________________________________________________________________
5. You shouldnt have gone outside when it was snowing.
-_________________________________________________________________________

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Valmes English Corner
E. Rewrite the sentences using the past forms of the modal verbs.
1. It was necessary for us to take a different route.
We ____________________________________________________________________
2. It wasnt a good idea to drive so fast last night.
You ____________________________________________________________________
3. Mike had the ability to ski when he was a small child.
Mike ______________________________________________________________________
4. They didnt use oxygen, which was a mistake.
They ______________________________________________________________________
5. It wasnt necessary for you to phone Tom because Id already contacted him.
You _______________________________________________________________________

F. Complete the text with the past forms of the modal verbs. Use COULD, COULDNT,HAD
TO or SHOULD HAVE.

C a v e f r i g h t
It was a beautiful morning when Rob and I went down into the caves to explore. At first we
walked, but soon the cave became smaller, and we 1. _________________ (crawl) along on our
hands and knees. We continued, but the water in the cave was rising. Soon the water was up to our
necks, and we 2. ___________________ (keep) our heads up to breathe.
Suddenly, my torch went out. I knew that the battery was low. I3. __________________
(recharge) it before we left, but Id forgotten.
Then, Rob saw that the tunnel ahead of us was completely under water. We were in a
difficult situation. We 4. _____________________ (not turn back) because the cave was too
narrow, so we decided to continue. We 5. ___________________ (hold) our breath, dive down and
swim along the tunnel. Finally we arrived in a large cave and we 6. ____________________
(breathe) all the air we wanted. We were safe at last!

G. Complete the sentences. Use MIGHT HAVE, MUST HAVE or CANT HAVE, and the correct
form of the verb.
1. Hes slimmer. He ______________________ (start) eating less and exercising more.
2. Theyre not smiling. They ______________________ (understand) the joke.
3. Ryan is looking very happy about his exam results. He ________________________ (pass)!
4. I like your engagement ring. It _________________________ (cost) a lot of money.
5. Its one oclock but my watch still says half past eleven. It _____________________ (stop).
6. I dont know where my sunglasses are. I _________________________ (leave) them at home,
or maybe at school.

H. Rewrite the sentences. Use MIGHT HAVE , MUST HAVE or CANT HAVE.
1. Perhaps the programme on Channel 4 was better than the one we watched on Channel 5.
The programme on Channel 4 might have been better than the one we watched on Channel 5.

1. Its impossible that you saw Hannah with Rachels boyfriend.

-__________________________________________________________________________
2. Im certain that there was a good reason why the show was cancelled.
-__________________________________________________________________________
3. Its possible that you left your coat in the club.
-__________________________________________________________________________
4. Im certain that the children werent disappointed with the circus.
-__________________________________________________________________________
5. Im sure David wasnt at the library this morning because it was closed.
-__________________________________________________________________________
6. Ive met that boy before, but Im not sure.
-__________________________________________________________________________

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Valmes English Corner
7. Im certain that Kate has received my letter because I posted it last week.
-______________________________________________________________________
8. Theres a possibility that Jake has turned off his mobile because hes not answering my calls.
-______________________________________________________________________

I. Think about each situation. Write sentences about what MAY, MIGHT, COULD, MUST or
CANT HAVE happened.
1. The traffic lights have changed to green. The first car still hasnt moved and the driver is
examining the engine. =The car must have broken down.
2. You cant find your wallet anywhere. You think you last saw it at home, or perhaps at your friends
house.
-__________________________________________________________________________
3. A boy is in a three-hour exam. Theres only one hour left and he still hasnt written anything.
-__________________________________________________________________________
4. A girl has just had her exam results. Shes not smiling.
-__________________________________________________________________________
5. A young couple went to a club together. Now the boy cant find the girl, and her coat isnt there,
either.
-__________________________________________________________________________
6. People are coming out of the cinema. They are all laughing.
-__________________________________________________________________________
7. A young couple have just come out of a church. They are smiling and waving at everybody.
-__________________________________________________________________________

J. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verbs.

CATCH CHANGE GIVE TELL TURN
1. You should be honest and always ____________________ the truth.
2. If you stand there in the rain you will __________________ a cold.
3. I ___________________ the key and opened the door.
4. Chris __________________ me a joke which was so funny that I couldnt stop laughing.
5. If you go to the station now, you might be in time to ________________ the train to
Manchester.
6. I ___________________ my best friend some advise and she did what I suggested.
7. He __________________ his young children a story to help them go to sleep.
8. When I mentioned the money he owed me, he ____________________ the subject and started
talking about the weather.
9. When youve finished Chapter 1 in your books, ____________________ the page and begin
Chapter 2.
10. First I wanted to buy the red sweater, but then I _________________ my mind and bought
the green one.
11. At first I couldnt find Kirsty, but then I ________________ the corner into Bridge Road and
she was there.
12. My parents have to ____________________ permission for me to go on the school trip.

Modal verbs: MAY, MIGHT, COULD, MUST, CANT.

K. Look at the examples and answer the questions.
1. Laughter may help to fight cancer.
2. Laughter could be as good for you as a jog.
3. You cant be tired. You went to bed really early.
4. This might explain why laughter is so contagious.
5. She must be very fit. She goes to the gym every day.

Which verb(s) do we use when

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Valmes English Corner
1. We think that something is possible? (3 verbs) ________, ________ , _________ .
2. We are certain that something is impossible? __________
3. We are certain that something is true? ___________

L. Choose the correct modal verbs.

1. Everyones laughing! The film must / might be really funny.
2. You must / cant be hungry again. Weve just eaten.
3. Whos that playing tennis with Paula? Im not sure. It must / could be her brother.
4. Lets watch a comedy on TV. It might / must make you feel better.
5. I must / may go out later I havent decided yet.
6. Andrew must / could be very pleased about something. Hes been smiling all day.

M. Look at the examples. Copy and complete the rule.

1. Im not sure, but I think Anna might have left already.
2. Laughing about the problem must have helped him.
4. Tim cant have enjoyed the play he didnt laugh.

We use MIGHT, MUST, etc. + _________ + past participle.

N. Correct the mistakes in the sentences:
1. Jill must to have thought the joke was funny. Shes still laughing.
2. Neil could have leave his bag in the car.
3. They havent arrived yet. They might had an accident.
4. That little girl is very dirty. She musts have fallen over in the mud.
5. You cant have finish your homework. Youve only just started doing it!

O. Rewrite the sentences. Use MIGHT HAVE , MUST HAVE or CANT HAVE .
1. Im sure that the film was very funny. They went to see it twice.
-__________________________________________________________________________
2. Its possible that they missed the plane.
-__________________________________________________________________________
3. Im sure that Jack didnt win the race. Hes very unfit.
-__________________________________________________________________________
4. Perhaps you left your wallet at home.
-__________________________________________________________________________
5. Its impossible that you saw Helen. Shes in New York.
-__________________________________________________________________________
6. Im sure that you dropped your ticket.
-__________________________________________________________________________
7. Maybe Chris decided not to come.
-__________________________________________________________________________
8. Im sure that they didnt like the music. They didnt dance all night.
-__________________________________________________________________________
9. Perhaps he didnt call her to meet again.
-__________________________________________________________________________
10. Im certain that he hurt himself when he fell.
-__________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE, TRY TO USE MODAL VERBS IN YOUR COMPOSITIONS, OK?

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Valmes English Corner
Modal Verbs
KEY ANSWERS
MUST, HAVE TO, SHOULD, OUGHT TO, CAN, NEEDNT

A. Choose the correct alternatives.

1. People can / have to be fit if they want to climb high mountains.
2. In my opinion, you have to / should do a less violent sport, like table tennis.
3. We neednt / mustnt take any food with us because well be back by lunchtime.
4. I can / ought to train more often, but I dont have time.
5. The club rules say that you ought to / have to be 18 to join.
6. You neednt / mustnt close your eyes when you dive into the swimming pool because you might hit
somebody.
7. My grandmother can / ought to still swim 1000 metres. Shes amazing!

B. Complete the sentences with the modal verbs. Use CAN, HAVE TO, MUSTNT, NEEDNT,
SHOULD OR SHOULDNT.
1. The views from the mountain top will be wonderful, so I think you should take your camera.
2. You MUSTNT go into the water because the current is too strong. Its very dangerous.
3. You HAVE TO obtain a special permit to climb in China or you wont be allowed to climb.
4. In my opinion, you SHOULDNT swim so soon after eating your lunch.
5. I CAN fly planes now because Ive finished my flying lessons.
6. You NEEDNT take a coat with you because it will be hot today.

MAY, MIGHT, COULD, MUST, CANT

C. Choose the correct modal verb.
1. Try to smile more often. It could / must improve your health.
2. She does a lot of exercise, so she must / cant be very fit.
3. This comedian might / must get funnier later in the show, but I dont think he will.
4. I may / cant go to the gym this evening. If I do, Ill phone you.
5. There must / may be a connection between laughing a lot and having good health, although
scientists arent completely sure.
6. They might / cant be here already! Its far too early.
7. Why dont you come to the theatre with me? You must / might enjoy it.

Modal verbs: past forms

D. Translate the sentences into your language.

1. I could drive a mini-motorbike when I was ten years old.
-Saba conducir una moto cuando tena 10 aos.
2. The climbers had to wait six hours for the helicopter to rescue them.
-Los escaladores tuvieron que esperar seis horas al helicptero para que los rescatara.
3. Sarah and Mike ought to have told somebody where they were going.
- Sara y Mike deberan haberle dicho a alguien donde iban.
4. The journey across the lake wasnt dangerous so you neednt have worried.
-El viaje por el lago no era peligroso, as que no necesitabas haberte preocupado.
5. You shouldnt have gone outside when it was snowing.
- T no deberas haber salido cuando estaba nevando.

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Valmes English Corner
E. Rewrite the sentences using the past forms of the modal verbs.
1. It was necessary for us to take a different route.
We needed to take a different route.
2. It wasnt a good idea to drive so fast last night.
You shouldnt have driven so fast last night.
3. Mike had the ability to ski when he was a small child.
Mike could ski when he was a small child.
4. They didnt use oxygen, which was a mistake.
They shouldnt have used oxygen.
5. It wasnt necessary for you to phone Tom because Id already contacted him.
You neednt have phoned Tom / You didnt have to phone Tom because

F. Complete the text with the past forms of the modal verbs. Use COULD, COULDNT,HAD
TO or SHOULD HAVE.

C a v e f r i g h t
It was a beautiful morning when Rob and I went down into the caves to explore. At first we
walked, but soon the cave became smaller, and we 1. COULDNT CRAWL (crawl) along on our hands
and knees. We continued, but the water in the cave was rising. Soon the water was up to our necks,
and we 2. HAD TO KEEP (keep) our heads up to breathe.
Suddenly, my torch went out. I knew that the battery was low. I 3. SHOULD HAVE
RECHARGED (recharge) it before we left, but Id forgotten.
Then, Rob saw that the tunnel ahead of us was completely under water. We were in a
difficult situation. We 4. COULDNT TURN BACK (not turn back) because the cave was too narrow,
so we decided to continue. We 5. HAD TO HOLD (hold) our breath, dive down and swim along the
tunnel. Finally we arrived in a large cave and we 6. COULD BREATHE (breathe) all the air we wanted.
We were safe at last!

G. Complete the sentences. Use MIGHT HAVE, MUST HAVE or CANT HAVE, and the correct
form of the verb.
1. Hes slimmer. He MIGHT HAVE STARTED (start) eating less and exercising more.
2. Theyre not smiling. They CANT HAVE UNDERSTOOD (understand) the joke.
3. Ryan is looking very happy about his exam results. He MUST HAVE PASSED (pass)!
4. I like your engagement ring. It MUST HAVE COST (cost) a lot of money.
5. Its one oclock but my watch still says half past eleven. It MUST HAVE STOPPED (stop).
6. I dont know where my sunglasses are. I MIGHT HAVE LEFT (leave) them at home, or maybe at
school.

H. Rewrite the sentences. Use MIGHT HAVE , MUST HAVE or CANT HAVE.
1. Perhaps the programme on Channel 4 was better than the one we watched on Channel 5.
The programme on Channel 4 might have been better than the one we watched on Channel 5.

1. Its impossible that you saw Hannah with Rachels boyfriend.

-You cant have seen Hannah with Rachels boyfriend.
2. Im certain that there was a good reason why the show was cancelled.
-There must have been a good reason why the show was cancelled.
3. Its possible that you left your coat in the club.
- You might have left your coat in the club.
4. Im certain that the children werent disappointed with the circus.
-The children cant have been disappointed with the circus.
5. Im sure David wasnt at the library this morning because it was closed.
-David cant have been at the library this morning because it was closed.
6. Ive met that boy before, but Im not sure.
- I might have met that boy before.

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Valmes English Corner
7. Im certain that Kate has received my letter because I posted it last week.
- Kate must have received my letter because I posted it last week.
8. Theres a possibility that Jake has turned off his mobile because hes not answering my calls.
- Jake might have turned off his mobile because hes not answering my calls.

I. Think about each situation. Write sentences about what MAY, MIGHT, COULD, MUST or
CANT HAVE happened.
1. The traffic lights have changed to green. The first car still hasnt moved and the driver is
examining the engine. =The car must have broken down.
2. You cant find your wallet anywhere. You think you last saw it at home, or perhaps at your friends
house.
-I might have left my wallet at home or at my best friends house.
3. A boy is in a three-hour exam. Theres only one hour left and he still hasnt written anything.
- He cant have studied anything for the exam.
4. A girl has just had her exam results. Shes not smiling.
-The girl may have failed her exam.
5. A young couple went to a club together. Now the boy cant find the girl, and her coat isnt there,
either.
-The girl cant have been interested in that boy.
6. People are coming out of the cinema. They are all laughing.
- They must have watched a funny film.
7. A young couple have just come out of a church. They are smiling and waving at everybody.
- They must have got married.

J. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verbs.

CATCH CHANGE GIVE TELL TURN
1. You should be honest and always TELL the truth.
2. If you stand there in the rain you will CATCH a cold.
3. I CHANGED the key and opened the door.
4. Chris TOLD me a joke which was so funny that I couldnt stop laughing.
5. If you go to the station now, you might be in time to CATCH the train to Manchester.
6. I GAVE my best friend some advise and she did what I suggested.
7. He TELLS his young children a story to help them go to sleep.
8. When I mentioned the money he owed me, he TURNED the subject and started talking about the
weather.
9. When youve finished Chapter 1 in your books, TURN the page and begin Chapter 2.
10. First I wanted to buy the red sweater, but then I CHANGED my mind and bought the green one.
11. At first I couldnt find Kirsty, but then I TURNED / CAUGHT the corner into Bridge Road and
she was there.
12. My parents have to GIVE permission for me to go on the school trip.

Modal verbs: MAY, MIGHT, COULD, MUST, CANT.

K. Look at the examples and answer the questions.

1. Laughter may help to fight cancer.
2. Laughter could be as good for you as a jog.
3. You cant be tired. You went to bed really early.
4. This might explain why laughter is so contagious.
5. She must be very fit. She goes to the gym every day.

Which verb(s) do we use when

1. We think that something is possible? (3 verbs) COULD, MAY AND MIGHT.
2. We are certain that something is impossible? CANT

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Valmes English Corner
3. We are certain that something is true? MUST

L. Choose the correct modal verbs.

1. Everyones laughing! The film must / might be really funny.
2. You must / cant be hungry again. Weve just eaten.
3. Whos that playing tennis with Paula? Im not sure. It must / could be her brother.
4. Lets watch a comedy on TV. It might / must make you feel better.
5. I must / may go out later I havent decided yet.
6. Andrew must / could be very pleased about something. Hes been smiling all day.

M. Look at the examples. Copy and complete the rule.

1. Im not sure, but I think Anna might have left already.
2. Laughing about the problem must have helped him.
5. Tim cant have enjoyed the play he didnt laugh.

We use MIGHT, MUST, etc. + HAVE + past participle.

N. Correct the mistakes in the sentences:
1. Jill must HAVE thought the joke was funny. Shes still laughing.
2. Neil could have LEFT his bag in the car.
3. They havent arrived yet. They might HAVE an accident.
4. That little girl is very dirty. She must have fallen over in the mud.
5. You cant have finishED your homework. Youve only just started doing it!

O. Rewrite the sentences. Use MIGHT HAVE , MUST HAVE or CANT HAVE .
1. Im sure that the film was very funny. They went to see it twice.
- The film must have been very funny.
2. Its possible that they missed the plane.
- They might have missed the plane.
3. Im sure that Jack didnt win the race. Hes very unfit.
- He cant have won the race, hes very unfit.
4. Perhaps you left your wallet at home.
- You might have left your wallet at home.
5. Its impossible that you saw Helen. Shes in New York.
- You cant have seen Helen, shes in NY.
6. Im sure that you dropped your ticket.
- You must have dropped your ticket.
7. Maybe Chris decided not to come.
- Chris might have decided not to come.
8. Im sure that they didnt like the music. They didnt dance all night.
- They cant have like the music.
9. Perhaps he didnt call her to meet again.
- He might not have called her to meet again.
10. Im certain that he hurt himself when he fell.
- He must have hurt himself when he fell.