Exercises: Modal Verbs in English

Practice using different modal verbs with these exercises. You can test your understanding of how each modal is used and practice using them in sentences!

Feel free to review the lessons and watch the videos again to help you remember!

The exercises

Exercise 1

Answer the following questions:

1. What are the 2 modals that indicate capacity?
2. What are the 2 modals that indicate suggestion?
3. What are the 2 modals that indicate permission?
4. What are the 2 modals that indicate possibility?
5. What are the 2 modals that indicate obligation?

Exercise 2

Replace the highlighted part with the correct modal from the 3 given options while keeping the original meaning:

1. Am I allowed to know if he will come? (may I / must I / need I)
2. She is able to speak 5 languages. (can / may / must)
3. How long do I have to wait for you? (can I / must I / should I)
4. You are not allowed to go out. (may not / might not / need not)
5. They don’t have to know everything. (don’t need / need not / need not to)

Exercise 3

Complete with the correct modal:

1. I tried but I ________ fix the car.
2. We ________ have taken the elevator.
3. Excuse me, sir, you ________ smoke here.
4. If I won the lottery, I ________ give my money to a charity.
5. They ________ be late.

Exercise 4

Fill in the blank with the correct modal:

1. You really ______ read this book. It’s great!
2. She ______ to learn the lesson. She already knows it!
3. You _____ stay here anymore. I think you ________ leave.
4. The best thing to do ________ be to start a new life; otherwise, we ____ crazy!
5. ________ you open the door, please?