Mixed Modals Exercises PDFSet 1: Core Modal Verbs: Can, Must, Should & May Exercises
20 questions·12 min·Answers included·Explanations included
Preview: Questions
Fill in the blank with the correct option.
1.I ___ speak three languages: English, Spanish, and French.
a) canb) mustc) shouldd) may
2.You ___ wear a seatbelt in the car. It's the law.
a) canb) mustc) mayd) should
3.You look tired. You ___ go to bed early tonight.
a) mustb) canc) shouldd) may
4.It ___ rain later this afternoon. Take an umbrella just in case.
a) canb) mustc) shouldd) may
5.___ I use your phone for a moment, please?
a) Canb) Mustc) Shouldd) Will
... and 15 more questions in the PDF
Preview: Answers
1.can
2.must
3.should
4.may
5.Can
... and 15 more answers in the PDF
Preview: Explanations
1."can"(a)
Use 'can' to talk about ability — something you are able to do. 'I can speak three languages' means I have the ability to speak them. 'Must' expresses obligation, 'should' expresses advice, and 'may' expresses possibility.
2."must"(b)
Use 'must' for strong obligation or rules, especially laws. Wearing a seatbelt is required by law. 'Should' would only suggest it's a good idea, but 'must' shows it is compulsory.
3."should"(c)
Use 'should' to give friendly advice or a recommendation. The speaker is advising the tired person, not ordering them. 'Must' would be too strong for personal advice in this context.
4."may"(d)
Use 'may' to express possibility — something that is perhaps true or might happen. 'It may rain' means there is a chance of rain. 'Must' would mean you are certain it will rain.
5."Can"(a)
Use 'Can I...?' to ask for informal permission — it asks whether you are allowed to do something. 'Must I...?' asks about obligation, 'Should I...?' asks for advice, and 'Will I...?' makes a prediction about the future.
... and 15 more explanations in the PDF
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