Tasks on modal verbs in English. Modal verbs can, may, must. The modal verb can expresses

Modal verbs in the supposition function are not always easy for students, especially the perfect form. How can we help a student consolidate a difficult grammatical structure in an interesting way?

Guess the celebrity: Modals of deduction (present)

Levels – pre-intermediate - intermediate

Perfect for the younger generation and people actively interested in music, cinema and the lives of stars. The teacher selects 5-15 photos of celebrities, but not too famous, or photos where they do not look very much like themselves - blurry, where there is a sharp change in image, so that it is not so easy to guess who it is.
The teacher shows a photograph, and the student’s task is to express his assumptions using the structures:
It/he/she must/ might/could/ can’t be Justin Bieber.

Depending on the student’s interests, the topic can be changed, for example, sports stars, world capitals, landmarks, car brands, paintings by famous artists, objects. The Speak out textbook gives this example:
As an alternative, you can select several pictures and cover the key element in them with a square. For example, like in this picture.

The student’s task is to guess what product is being advertised: It must/ might/can’t be an advertisement /ədˈvɜːtɪsmənt/ for… Then, after you have received enough guesses, we show him the original.

Guess what they are doing: Modals of deduction (continuous)

Levels – intermediate

To consolidate the Continuous form, well-known photographs are perfect, where some action is easy to describe.
For example, paintings by Edward Hopper or Steve McCurry.
The teacher shows a photograph and asks leading questions, which the student answers using must/might/can’t be doing.

Example:
Who do you see in the pictures? A barman, a couple and a male visitor.
What are people doing? A man might be reading a newspaper, a couple must be talking.
What are their relationships? They can’t be husband and wife, they might be lovers because…
What are they talking about? They could be talking about going away.

The next morning: Modals of deduction (past)

Student assignment:
Imagine that you have woken up on a Sunday morning with a terrible headache. You can't remember anything from the night before, but you discover some clues. Speculate about what happened

There’s a strange telephone number with the letters CS in your pocket.
There’s a half-eaten hamburger in the kitchen, but you’re a vegetarian.
You've got a graze on your forehead.
The front door is wide open.
Your photo is on the front page of the morning paper.

If the task seems too personal, you can replace it with sentences or pictures describing other people. For example,
Katie's ankle is twisted.
Kevin has woken up in the place he has never been before and so on.

Tough Luck: Modals of deduction (past)

Levels – upper-intermediate-advanced

The difference from the previous task is that the initial and final situation is given. Sentences are compiled depending on the lexical content of the lesson.

John was the most experienced candidate? He was turned down for the job.
Possible answer:
The employer might have changed his mind.

Ready-made sentences can be found in the book Maria Lucia Zaorob

These exercises will help you reinforce the topic.

Exercise 1. Modal verb Can or May?

In this exercise you need to fill in the blanks by inserting the verbs can or may in the affirmative or negative form. In some sentences there is only one possible answer, in some there are two, since can and may are sometimes interchangeable.

Show answers:

John is very strong, he can lift one hundred kilograms. – John is very strong, he can lift one hundred kilograms.
I think it may/might rain today, you’d better take an umbrella. - I think it might rain today, you better take an umbrella.
Can/may I offer you a bottle of water? – Can I offer you a bottle of water?
I am afraid of water because I can't swim. - I'm afraid of water because I don't know how to swim.
Sorry, pal, but you can't/may not sleep on the bench. - Sorry, buddy, but sleeping on the bench is prohibited.

Exercise 2. Can – Could – May – Might

In this exercise, the possible options are not only can or may, but also could, might, including in the negative form.

Show answers:

When I lived in Madrid, I could speak Spanish very well, but now my Spanish is poor. – When I lived in Madrid, I could speak Spanish very well, but now my Spanish is lame.
You can't discuss with the children such terrible things! “You can’t discuss such terrible things with children!”
I asked the manager if I could/might have a refund. – I asked the manager if I could get a refund.
How are you going to take us home on the car? You can't drive! “How are you going to take us home in the car?” You don't know how to drive!
Lucy, you may remember my brother. He visited us last summer. “Lucy, you may remember my brother.” He came to us last summer.
You may not like it but it is the truth we have to live with. “You may not like it, but it is the truth that we have to live with.”

Exercise 3

Select errors in the text and check your guess by clicking “Check”.

Show answers:

Hannah is a talented musician, she may(can) play the guitar very well. – Hannah is a talented musician, she can play the guitar very well.
Can you help me? My car is stuck. - Can you help me? My car is stuck.
Sorry, I may not (can't) remember your name. You are Bill, aren’t you? – Sorry, I don’t remember your name. You're Bill, aren't you?
– Sam is my classmate. I’m not sure if you remember him. You can (may) remember him from the Christmas party. – Sorry, I don’t remember him. – Sam is my classmate. I'm not sure you remember him. You may remember him from the Christmas party. - Sorry, I don't remember him.
Your son has graduated with high honors, you can be proud of him! – Your son graduated with honors, you can be proud of him!

Example: I was very busy, so I couldn't meet you at the airport.

1. You...interrupt the lecturer. It's rude and impolite.
2. My friend...speak five languages.
3. When I entered the room I ... smell roses.
4. I... forget about this and move forward.
5. You ... come so early (you don’t need (there’s no need) to come so early).

Task 2. Translate sentences using modal verbs might, can, should, have to, be able to.

Example: Masha should exercise every day. – Mary should take exercises every day.

1. Perhaps I'll talk to her.
2. You should go to the dentist.
3. Is he still sleeping?
4. I can fix your car.
5. We must come home at 5 o'clock.

Task 3. Indicate correct (correct) and incorrect (wrong) sentences.

Example: My father can play the guitar. – Correct.

1. You can't buy the tickets.
2. I must complete a painting by tommorow.
3. Children should respect their parents.
4. May I come in?
5. I were able to sing very well, when I was young.

Task 4. Rephrase the sentences using modal verbs.

Example: Would you mind my opening the window? – May /can /could I open the window?

1. - I can't find George anywhere. I wonder where he is.
- It "s possible that he is visiting his grandmother. (paraphrase this sentence)
2. Perhaps we will stay here overnight.
3. You are forbidden to enter the engine room.

Answers with explanations

Exercise 1.

mustn"t
The correct answer mustn"t is explained by the following rule: (You) mustn"t (do) means that you should refrain from performing some action (not do it).

In this case, the modal verb can is used to express mental capacity and indicates that the person can speak five languages.

could
The modal verb can/could is used in combination with verbs of feeling and perception to give a hint of effort in performing an action expressed by a semantic verb. In this sentence the form could is used, since from the first part of the sentence it is clear that the action took place in the past - when I enter ed the room.

In this sentence, must expresses the need to perform an action with the meaning must, must, must.

needn"t
Need is used to express the need to perform an action with meaning necessary, necessary. In the translation of the sentence we see “no need, no need”, so the negative form is used - needn"t.

Task 2.

I might have a talk with her.
You should visit a dentist.
Can he still be sleeping?
I am able to/can repair your car.
We have to come home at 5 o"clock.

Task 3.

Wrong
The negative form of the modal verb can in the present tense – cannot – is written seamlessly with the particle not. Cannot – this is not true.
Correct
There are no errors in this sentence; the modal verb must expresses the need to perform an action.
Correct
There are no errors in this sentence; the modal verb should expresses a moral obligation.
Wrong
The particle to should not be in this sentence.
Wrong
Correctly I was able, not I were able.

Task 4.

He may/might/could be visiting his grandmother.
We may/might stay here overnight.
You mustn"t/can"t enter the engine room.

Exercisesonusemodalverbs

CAN, COULD, MAY,MIGHT, TO BE TO, MUST, HAVE TO,

TO BE ABLE TO, NEED, NEED NOT

Ex. 1. Translate into Russian.

1. Mike can run very fast. 2. They can understand French. 3. Kate can speak English well. 4. My brother can come and help you in the garden. 5. Can you speak Spanish? 6. Can your brother help me with mathematics? 7. His little sister can walk already. 8. The children cannot carry this box: it is too heavy. 9. My friend cannot come in time. 10. This old woman cannot sleep at night.

Ex. 2. Translate into English using the modal verb can (could).

1. I can speak English. 2. My dad can't speak German. 3. Can you speak French? 4. My sister can't skate. 5. Can you swim across this river? 6. I can't drink this milk. 7. She can't understand you. 8. Did you know how to swim last year? 9. Last year I couldn’t ski, but now I can. 10. Can you tell me how to get to the station?

Ex. 3. Translate into English using the expression to be able to

1. Can you do this work tomorrow? 2. I think she will not be able to solve this problem. 3. Tomorrow I will be free and will be able to help you. 4. Will we be able to go to New York next year? 5. You can fix my tape recorder

Ex. 4. Translate into Russian.

1. May I go to the post-office with Mike? 2. May I take Pete's bag? 3. Don't give the vase to the child: he may break it. 4. May we take notes with a pencil? 5. You may not cross the street when the light is red. 6. May I shut the door? 7. May I invite Nick to our house? 8. You may go now. 9. If you have done your homework, you may go for a walk. 10. Don't go to the wood alone: you may lose your way.

Ex. 5. Translate into English using a modal verbmay.

1. Can I come in? 2. Can I go for a walk? 3. If your work is ready, you can go home. 4. The teacher said that we can go home. 5. The doctor says that I can already swim. 6. Dad said that we can go to the cinema alone. 7. I thought that I could watch TV. 8. If you don't put on a coat, you might get sick. 9. Don’t leave home: mom might come soon, but she doesn’t have the key. 10. Be careful: you may fall.

Ex. 6. Insert modal verbs may or can.

1. I ____ finish the work tomorrow if no one bothers me any more. 2. ____ we come and see you next Sunday at three o"clock in the afternoon? 3. What time is it? - It ____ be about six o"clock, but I am not sure. 4. Only a person who knows the language very well ____ answer such a question. 5. ____ I come in? 6. Let me look at your exercises. I ____ be able to help you. 7. I ____ not swim, because until this year the doctor did not allow me to be more than two minutes in the water. But this year he says I ____ stay in for fifteen minutes if I like, so I am going to learn to swim. 8. Libraries are quite free, and any one who likes ____ get books there. 9. I ____ come and see you tomorrow if I have time. 10. Take your raincoat with you: it ____ rain today.

Control. 7. PastemodalVerbsmayorcan.

1. You ____ come in when you have taken off your boots. 2. Be careful: you ____ spill the milk if you carry it like that. 3. Most children ____ slide on the ice very well. 4. I don"t think I ____ be here by eleven o"clock tomorrow, but I ____ be. 5. ____ you see anything in this inky darkness? 6. You ____ go when you have finished your compositions. 7. What shall we do if the train is late? It ____ be late, you know, after the terrible snowstorms we"ve had. 8. When ____ you come arid see me? - Let me see: I ____ not come tomorrow, for I must be at the meeting, but on Sunday I "ll find time. Yes, you ____ expect me on Sunday about three o"clock. Will that be all right?

Ex. 8. Translate into English using the modal verb must or its equivalent to have to.

1. I have to go to the store today, cook lunch, do homework, go to school, write a letter to my brother

2. I will have to go to the store tomorrow, cook lunch, do homework, go to school, write a letter to my brother

3. I had to go to the store yesterday, cook lunch, do homework, go to school, write a letter to my brother.

Ex. 9. Translate into English using the modal verbs must, may or саn.

1. He should be in his office now. You can talk to him. 2. Can I come in? - Please. 3. You must read this text. 4. Can he complete this task? 5. Can I borrow your book? 6. In English class you must speak only English. 7. Should we hand in our notebooks today? 8. Can I ask you a question? - Please. 9. I can’t go to the cinema with you because I’m very busy. 10. Can I smoke here? - Please.

Ex. 10. Fill in the blanks with modal verbs can, may or must.

1. What ____ we see on this map? 2. ____ do you speak Spanish? - No, unfortunately I ____ 3. At what time ____ you come to school? 4. ____ I come in? 5. You ____ not smoke here. 6. ____ take your book? - I am afraid not: I need it. 7. He ____ not speak English yet. 8. I have very little time: I ____ go. 9. They ____ not go to the park today because they are busy. 10. You ____ read this text: it is easy enough.

Control. 11. Rephrasefollowingoffers, usingmodalverbto be to.

E.g. 1) The lecture is supposed to begin at eight. The lecture is to begin at eight. 2) I expect her to come and help. She is to come and help. 3) It was planned that we should wait for them at the door. We were to wait for them at the door. 4) It was arranged that he should meet her at the station. He was to meet her at the station. 5) Who will take care of the children? Who is to take care of the children? 1. What am I supposed to do if they come too early? 2 It was arranged that the youngest children would play on the beach. 3. We expect you to show the place to her. 4. I am expected to leave tomorrow at the latest. 5. Where am I supposed to be taken? 6. This is Dora. It is arranged that she will share the room with you. 7 And who will do the cooking? 8. It is expected that two more apartment houses will be built here. 9. It was arranged that the cup final would be played that afternoon. 10. Who will meet you at the station?

Control. 12. PastemodalVerbsto have toorto be to.

1. She ____ to send a telegram because it was too late to send a letter. 2. They decided that she ____ to send them a telegram every tenth day. 3. You ____ to learn all the new words for the next lesson. 4. Do you know this man? He ____ to be our new teacher of history. 5. Who ____ to go to the library to get the new books? - I was, but I couldn't because I ____ to finish some work at the phonetic laboratory. 6. It is raining. You ____ to put on your raincoat. 7. "The patient ____ to stay in bed for a few days, "ordered the doctor. 8. The child had stomach trouble and ____ to take castor oil. 9. I told her she ____ to open the window for a while every day. 10. The agreement was that if Johnny White could not repay the money he had borrowed, then Luke Flint ____ to have the right to sell the land.

Control. 13. PastemodalVerbsto have toorto be to.

1. Where ____ the lecture to take place? - I suppose in the assembly hall. 2. So, our plan is as follows: I ____ to go to the library and bring the books. You ____ to look through all the material here. Later we ____ to work together. 3. "You ____ to do it alone, without anybody"s help," she said sternly. 4. I ____ to help my friends with this work now, so I cannot go with you. 5. It was raining hard and we ____ to wait until it stopped raining. 6. 1 ____ to ask him about it tomorrow, as today he has already gone. 7. Why didn't you tell me that I ____ to buy the books? 8. According to the order of the schoolmistress all the pupils ____ to return the library books before the twenty-third of May. 9. As we had agreed before, we ____ to meet at two o"clock to go to the stadium together. But Mike did not come. I waited for another half-hour, but then I ____ to leave as I was afraid to be late. 10. The meeting ____ to begin at five o"clock. Don't be late.

Ex. 14. Translate into English using the modal verbs to have to or to be to.

1. You have to learn this poem by Wednesday. 2. I was asked to learn this poem by Wednesday. 3. I had to learn this poem by Wednesday. 4. I will have to learn this poem by Wednesday. 5. He has to learn this poem today, since he didn’t learn it yesterday. 6. You don't have to learn this poem. 7. I didn't have to learn this poem. 8. Since he learned this poem yesterday, he doesn’t need to learn it now. 9. This week we will meet with an outstanding scientist. 10. There was no way out, and he had to pay a fine.

Ex. 15. Translate into English using the modal verb need.

1. Do I need to help you? - No, thanks, I'll do everything myself. 2. You don't have to go there. 3. He has no need to worry about her. 4. I don’t have to ask him: he will tell me everything himself. 5. You don't have to call me: I won't forget my promise. 6. Does she need to buy so many products? 7. She doesn’t have to go to the library: I’ll give her a book. 8. You might not have taken an umbrella: I’m sure it won’t rain.

Ex. 16. Insert modal verbs may, must or need.

1. ____ we hand in our compositions tomorrow? - No, you ____ not, you ____ hand them in after Sunday. 2. ____ John really do this today? - No, he ____ not, he ____ do it tomorrow if he likes. 3. You ____ not let this cup fall: it ____ break. 4. ____ I help you with your coat on? 5. ____ I take this book for a little while? - I am sorry, but I ____ return it to the library at once. 6. Alec ____ practice this sound specially, but the other pupils ____ not: they all pronounce it properly. 7. They ____ come at any time they like between ten and twelve in the morning, but they ____ not come if they don"t want to. 8. ____ I go there right now? - Yes, you ____.

Control. 17. PastemodalVerbscan, may, mustorneed.

1. I ____ not go out today: it is too cold. 2. ____ I take your pen? - Yes, please. 3. We ____ not carry the bookcase upstairs: it is too heavy. 4. We ____ not carry the bookcase upstairs ourselves: the workers will come and do it. 5. When ____ you come to see us? - I ____ come only on Sunday. 6. Shall I write a letter to him? - No, you ____ not, it is not necessary. 7. ____ you cut something without a knife? 8. Peter ____ return the book to the library. We all want to read it. 9. Why ____ don’t you understand it? It is so easy. 10. ____ we do the exercise at once? Yes, you do it at once.

Control. 18. TranslateonEnglishlanguage, usingmodalVerbsmust, may, mightorcan"t.

1. They must live in St. Petersburg.

2. They may live in St. Petersburg.

3. Maybe they live in St. Petersburg (although hardly).

4. It can’t be that they live in St. Petersburg.

5. They must have lived in St. Petersburg.

6. They may have lived in St. Petersburg.

7. Maybe they lived in St. Petersburg (although hardly).

8. It cannot be that they lived in St. Petersburg.

9. He must be at work.

10. He must have been at work.

11. He may be at work.

12. He might have been at work.

13. Maybe he is at work (although hardly).

14. Maybe he was at work (although hardly).

15. It can’t be that he’s at work.

Ex. 19. Translate into English using the modal verb may.

1. Maybe we'll go to the Volga. 2. Maybe she will come tomorrow. 3. Maybe I'll buy this book in Moscow. 4. Perhaps she will send us a telegram. 5. Perhaps they will forget to bring the newspaper. 6. Perhaps my brother forgot to call you. 7. Perhaps she has already bought tickets. 8. Maybe he has already done his homework. 9. Maybe my sister has already talked to them. 10. Perhaps they went abroad. 11. Maybe grandma is sleeping. 12. Maybe the children are playing by the river. 13. Perhaps they are currently discussing this issue. 14. Perhaps they are just having lunch now. 15. Maybe he is now lying on the grass and looking at the clouds.

Ex. 20. Translate into English using a modal verbmust.

1. He must know several foreign languages. 2. He must be working on this problem now. 3. They are probably enjoying the beautiful weather now. 4. She is probably trying to find old letters. 5. They are probably now admiring the beauty of southern nature. 6. He has probably already returned from the south. 7. She probably lost my address. 8. They must have already finished their work. 9. He probably told everything at the trial. 10. She must have prepared everything in advance. 11. He must still be here. 12. They must have just arrived. 13. Apparently, he took the papers with him. 14. Obviously, someone has already been here. 15. They are probably laughing at him. 16. They must have lived here then. 17. It must be raining. 18. It's probably here.

Exercises "Modal verbs" (with answers )

1. Choose the correct version of the modal verb in brackets.

1. He... (can’t/couldn’t) open the window as it was stuck.

2. Interpreters… (may/must) translate without dictionaries.

3. … (Can/May) I use me your bike for today?

5. I hardly ever see Jane, she … (may/might) have moved to Africa.

6. Take an umbrella. It... (may/can) rain.

7. You... (could/should) stop smoking. You know you… (cannot/must not) buy health.

8. You… (may/must) finish the article as soon as possible.

9. Liz doesn’t… (ought to/have to) keep to a diet anymore.

10. Lara… (can/might) get a playstation for her birthday.

11. You... (must not/needn’t) read in the dark.

12. My grandfather is retired, so he ... (shouldn’t/doesn’t have to) go to work.

13. The refrigerator is full, so we ... (must not/needn’t) go shopping.

14. Our employees… (can/must) sign this agreement.

16. I... (can’t/needn’t) believe it! You... (have to/must) be joking.

17. Ann… (must/is to) finish school next year.

18. Sorry, I'm late. I ... (needed to/had to) wait for the plumber.

19. What time do we… (should/have to) be at the railway station?

20. Don’t wait for me tonight. I... (might/must) be late.

21. I ... (maynot/can’t) watch this film. It's too boring.

22. We’ve got a dishwasher, so you… (couldn’t/needn’t) wash-up.

23. You look very pale, I think you … (need/should) stay at home.

24. … (Could/Might) you, please, pass me the mustard?

1. couldn’t (He couldn’t open the window because it was stuck.)

2. must (Translators must translate without dictionaries.)

4. Could (Could you give me the recipe for this cake?)

5. might (I hardly see Jane, maybe she moved to Africa.)

7. should – cannot (You should stop smoking. You know you can’t buy health.)

8. must (You must finish the article as soon as possible.)

9. have to (Lisa no longer needs to diet.)

10. might (Lara might get a video game console for her birthday.)

12. doesn’t have to (My grandfather is retired, so he doesn’t have to go to work.)

13. needn’t (The refrigerator is full, so we don’t have to go to the store.)

14. must (Our employees must sign this agreement.)

15. ought to (We should reserve a table in advance if we want to have dinner there.)

16. can’t – must (I can’t believe it! You must be joking.)

17. is to (Anya should graduate from school next year.)

18. had to (Sorry, I was late. I had to wait for the plumber.)

19. have to (What time do we need to be at the railway station?)

20. might (Don't wait for me in the evening. I might be late.)

21. can’t (I can’t watch this movie. It’s too boring.)

22. needn’t (We have a dishwasher, so you don’t need to wash the dishes.)

23. should (You look very pale. I think you should stay at home.)

24. Could (Could you pass me the mustard, please?)

2. Complete the following sentences using the most appropriate forms of the verbs.

1. Jack has got a headache. He...sleep well recently.

a) can't

b) couldn't have

c) hasn’t been able to

2. I … sleep for hours when I was a little girls.

a) could

b) am able to

c) can

3. Tom ... play tennis well but he ... play a game yesterday because he was ill.

a) couldn’t, could

b) can, was able

c) can, couldn’t

4. I didn’t want to be late for the meeting. We…meet at 5 sharp.

a) were to

b) had to

c) could

a) can't

b) have to

c) needn't

6. You... take an umbrella today. The Sun is shining.

a) needn't

b) mustn’t

c) can't

7. I’m sorry, you didn’t invite me to your birthday party. You... invite me next time.

c) need to

8. Well, it’s 10 o’clock. I... go now.

a) can

b) has to

c) must

9. You...smoke so much.

a) would

b) can't

c) shouldn't

10. We have got plenty of time. We…hurry.

a) must

b) needn't

c)should

1. c | 2. a | 3. c | 4. a | 5. b | 6. a | 7. b | 8. c | 9. c | 10.b

3. Insert suitable modal verbs (must, can, need).

1. I... don't believe. I failed another test. — But you... go to more classes and fewer parties. 2. Perhaps we...meet next week. 3. ... he speaks English in childhood? 4. My neighbors...grow their own vegetables. 5. ...you turn the music down, please. 6. I... don't believe. I am already out of money. —You... learn not to spend so much. - But I ... not help it, there are just things that I ... to buy. 7. If you want to improve your English, you ... work very hard. 8. ...I take this book? — Certainly, but you... don’t give it to anybody. 9. Mother, ... I go to the country tomorrow? - No, you... not. The doctor says you ... stay at home for a day or two. 10. There is something wrong with your television set. You... call a repairman. - Oh, we... don't do it! My brother...fix it himself. 11. ...we bring these textbooks every day? - No, you ... not: you ... take them from the library. 12. ... are you going to the country with us? — No, I am afraid I ... not: I ... go to the library.
KEYS:
1. can, must. 2. glanders 3.could. 4. glanders 5. could. 6. can, must, can, need. 7.must. 8. can (may), must. 9. can (may), must (may, can), must. 10. must, need, can. 11. must, need, can. 12. can, can, must.

4. Insert suitable modal verbs (must, may, can, need, to have to, to be able to).

1. You ... not come to help them tomorrow: the work is done. 2. You ... not change the whole text as the beginning is all right. You ... only rewrite the second part of it. 3. ... you help me now? — I am afraid not: I am in a great hurry. I shall be free in the evening. Come to my place at about eight, and I...help you. 4. John ... don't tell us the rules of the game: we know them. 5. ...I return the book to you on Friday? I am afraid I ... not finish it before. - No, that is too late. You ... bring it to me not later than Wednesday. 6. It is already six o"clock. We ... hurry if we don"t want to be late. 7. ... do you translate this text into English? — I think I .... 8. They spent all the morning on the river bank. Only Ann ... return home as she ... not stay in the sun for such a long time. 9. How do you feel when you ... take a test? - I"m always a little frightened and unhappy. 10. She ... decorate a room nicely. 11. We ... not afford to pay the bill. 12. He"s got a lung problem and he ... go to hospital every two weeks. 13. Ann ... not go to his birthday party yesterday because she ... go to the dentist. 14. You ... take medicine three times a day before meals. You ... not stop taking it until you have finished the bottle. Don"t forget. You ... drink water as much as you .... You ... get up tomorrow if you like. You ... not stay in bed all the time. But you ... not do any work at all. You ... just relax for a few days.

KEYS:
1.need. 2. need, must. 3. can, shall be able to. 4. need. 5. may, can, must. 6.must. 7. can, can. 8. had to, could. 9. have to. 10. can. 11.can. 12. has to. 13. could, had to. 14. must, must, must, can, can, need, must, must.

5. Rephrase the following sentences using the modal verb may/might/could/

E.g. Possibly you left your book behind.

You may have left your book behind.
1. Perhaps it was too cold for the children to go out.
2. It is possible that he took his children to the zoo.
3. Possibly they did not see us in the crowd.
4. Perhaps Robert used a dictionary.
5. Possibly Mary misunderstood you.
6. Perhaps Henry waited for us there.
7. Possibly Ann returned very late last night.
8. Possibly they have seen the new play.
9. Perhaps Nick has left his exercise book at home.
10. Perhaps you left your umbrella in the bus.
11. Perhaps he went to the cafe to wait to wait for us.
12. Perhaps it was Helen who rang you up.
13. Perhaps they came by plane.
14. Perhaps she had a very good English teacher.

KEYS:
1. It may have been too cold for the children to go out. 2. He may have taken his children to the zoo. 3. They may not have seen us in the crowd. 4. Robert may have used a dictionary. 5. Mary may have misunderstood you. 6. Henry may have waited for us there. 7. Ann may have returned very late last night. 8. They may have seen the new play. 9. Nick may have left his exercise book at home. 10. You may have left your umbrella in the bus. 11. He may have gone to. the cafe to wait for us. 12. It may have been Helen who rang you up. 13. They may have come by plane, 14. She may have had a very good English teacher.

6. Rephrase the following sentences using the modal verb may/might/could/

1. Perhaps he is at home, but I am not sure 2. It is possible that we studied at the same school, but I don"t remember her. 3. Perhaps she was proud of her knowledge, but she never showed it to her classmates. 4. Perhaps there was a chance for him to win the match. 5. Perhaps Peter was as capable as the old workers, but he was given no chance to show his skill. 6. Perhaps they will come home very soon: be ready. 7. Perhaps the question was too difficult for her. 8. Try this delicious drink: perhaps you will like it. 9. Why didn't Nick ring us up? - It is possible that he forgot about it. 10. It is possible that your brother has never heard about this singer. 11. Perhaps she tried to enter the university, but failed. 12. It is possible that you asked the wrong people, that"s why you didn"t get the right answer. 13. Perhaps our friends will arrive here tomorrow.

KEYS:
1. He may be at home, but I am not sure he is. 2. We may have studied at the same school, but I don"t remember her. 3. She may have been proud of her knowledge, but she never showed it to her classmates. 4. There may have been a chance for him to win the match. 5. Peter may have been as capable as the old workers, but he was given no chance to show his skill. 6. They may come home very soon: be ready. 7. The question may have been too difficult for her. 8. Try this delicious drink: you may like it. 9. Why didn't Nick ring us up? - He may have forgotten about it. 10. Your brother may never have heard about this singer. 11. She may have tried to enter the university, but she failed. 12. You may have asked the wrong people. 13. Our friends may arrive here tomorrow.

7. Say that you think these events could not have happened..

E.g. This old bracelet was found in Africa.

This old bracelet can't have been found in Africa.

1. This car was built twenty years ago. 2. These photographs were taken in the north. 3. This tape recording was done last week. 4. James was given an excellent mark in history. 5. Ann was given an excellent mark for her geometry test. 6. This house was built at the beginning of this century. 7. This tower was built in the 9th century. 8. This book was written by a very good writer. 9. This film was made by a very good director. 10. This play was written by a very clever playwright. 11. This film has been shot in a fortnight. 12. This book was translated into Russian in the 19th century. 13. This castle was built in the 15th century. 14. This picture was painted by an Italian artist. 15. This refrigerator was produced ten years ago.

KEYS:
1. This car can"t have been built twenty years ago. 2. These photographs can"t have been taken in the north. 3. This tape recording can"t have been done last week. 4. James can"t have been given an excellent mark in history. 5. Ann can"t have been given an excellent mark for her geometry test. 6. This house can"t have been built at the beginning of this century. 7. This tower can"t have been built in the 9th century. 8. This book can"t have been written by a good writer. 9. This film can"t have been made by a good director. 10. This play can"t have been written by a clever playwright. 11. This film can"t have been shot in a fortnight. 12. This book can"t have been translated into Russian in the 19th century. 13. This castle can"t have been built-in the 15th century. 14. This picture can"t have been painted by an Italian artist. 15. This refrigerator can't have been produced ten years ago.

8. Paraphrase the following sentences using the modal verb can"t.

E.g. I don"t believe he is at home now. He can"t be at home now.

1. I don't believe that you are serious. 2. It is impossible that she is a traitor. 3. I can"t believe that he has made such an important discovery. 4. I can"t believe that the teacher has forgotten to correct our homework. 5. I don"t believe the work is too difficult for my friend. 6. I don"t believe Jane made such a mistake. 7. It is impossible that the cat ate all the fish. 8. I don"t believe that our papers were so poor. 9. It is impossible that you believed such a silly lie. 10. It is impossible that he has stolen the money. 11. I don"t believe that they have heard the story before. 12. I don't think that she is good at physics.

KEYS:
1. You can"t be serious. 2. She can"t be a traitor. 3. He can"t have made such an important discovery. 4. The teacher can"t have forgotten to correct our homework. 5. The work can"t be too difficult for my friend. 6. Jane can"t have made such a mistake. 7. The cat can"t have eaten all the fish. 8. Our papers can"t have been so poor. 9. You can't have believed such a silly lie. 10. He can't have stolen the money. 11. They can"t have heard the story before. 12. She can"t be good at physics.

9. Fill in the blanks with modal verbs can, may or must.

1. ...I come in? 2. You... don't smoke here. 3. ... take your book? — I am afraid not: I need it. 4. He ... doesn't speak English yet. 5. I have very little time: I ... go. 6. They ... don’t go to the park today because they are busy. 7. You ... read this text: it is easy enough. 8. What... do we see on this map? 9. ... do you speak Spanish? - No, unfortunately I ... 10. At what time ... you come to school? 11. She... still live in Paris. 12. He is busy. He ... be writing a book about his travels. 13. But he is happy. He...enjoy life. 14. My friend Danielle isn't a famous artist. But she ... even paint Russian icons. I ... only admire her beautiful pictures. She ... be a woman of great talents. She ... speak German, French and English. She ... translate a lot of articles for the Museum of her native town in Switzerland. She ... also teach these languages at school. She is fantastic. I am fascinated by everything that she does.

KEYS:

1. may. 2. must (may, can). 3. may. 4.can. 5. must. 6.can. 7.can. 8.can. 9. can, can"t. 10. must. 11. may. 12. must. 13. must. 14. My friend Danielle isn't a famous artist. But she can even paint Russian icons. I can only admire her beautiful pictures. She must be a woman of great talents. She can speak German, French and English. She can translate a lot of articles for the Museum of her native town in Switzerland. She can also teach these languages at school. She is fantastic. I am fascinated by everything that she does.
10. Insert modal verbs can, may, must or need.

1. Peter ... return the book to the library. We all want to read it. 2. Why ... don't you understand it? It is so easy. 3. ...we do the exercise at once? - Yes, you... do it at once. 4. ... you pronounce this sound? 5. You ... don’t have bought this meat: we have everything for dinner. 6. I... don’t go out today: it is too cold. 7. ...I take your pen? - Yes, please. 8. We ... don't carry the bookcase upstairs: it is too heavy. 9. We ... do not carry the bookcase upstairs ourselves: the workers will come and do it. 10. When... you come to see us? ¦— I ... come only on Sunday. 11. Shall I write a letter to him? - No, you... not, it is not necessary. 12. ... you cut something without a knife? 13. Everything is clear and you ... not go into details now. 14. He ... not drink alcohol when he drives. 15. Don't worry! I ... change a light bulb. 16. By the end of the week I ... have finished writing my book. 17. She ... not call the doctor again unless she feels worse.

KEYS:

1.must. 2.can. 3. must, must. 4.can. 5. need. 6.can. 7.may. 8.can. 9. need. 10. can, can. 11. need. 12.can. 13. need. 14.must. 15. can. 16.may. 17. need.