Mixed Modals Exercises PDFSet 2: Ability, Permission & Obligation: Choosing the Right Modal Exercises
20 questions·14 min·Answers included·Explanations included
Preview: Questions
Fill in the blank with the correct option.
1.When I was young, I ___ run very fast, but now I'm too old.
a) couldb) canc) mayd) must
2.You ___ touch the paintings in the museum. It's strictly forbidden.
a) don't have tob) mustn'tc) shouldn'td) needn't
3.You ___ bring your own lunch. The company provides free meals.
a) mustn'tb) can'tc) don't have tod) couldn't
4.Excuse me, ___ I sit here? Is this seat taken?
a) mustb) shouldc) needd) may
5.She studied very hard and was ___ pass the exam on her first attempt.
a) able tob) allowed toc) supposed tod) have to
... and 15 more questions in the PDF
Preview: Answers
1.could
2.mustn't
3.don't have to
4.may
5.able to
... and 15 more answers in the PDF
Preview: Explanations
1."could"(a)
Use 'could' to talk about a general ability in the past. The speaker had the ability to run fast when young but no longer can. 'Can' is for present ability, not past.
2."mustn't"(b)
Use 'mustn't' for prohibition — something that is not allowed. Touching paintings is forbidden. 'Don't have to' means it's not necessary (you have a choice), which is completely different.
3."don't have to"(c)
Use 'don't have to' when something is not necessary — there is no obligation. Because the company provides meals, bringing lunch is optional. 'Mustn't' would mean bringing lunch is forbidden.
4."may"(d)
Use 'May I...?' to ask for polite permission. This is a formal, polite way to ask if the seat is available. 'Can I...?' would also work but is less formal.
5."able to"(a)
Use 'was/were able to' to talk about a specific achievement in the past — something that was difficult but successfully accomplished. 'Could' is used for general past ability, not for specific successful actions.
... and 15 more explanations in the PDF
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