Gr.3 Modals

This page provides extra practice to the theory covered in the book units 15-20.

Table of contents:

- Note about modals

- Modal and semi-modal theory

- Different meanings of must

- Modals in the passive

- Modals and modal perfect

- Modals in the simple, continuous, and perfect form

- Online practice

Note about modals:

  1.1. Modals are different from normal verbs

    1.2. Video: No more mistakes with Modals! 3 easy rules 

    1.3. Video: Modal verbs, types of modal verbs, useful list and     examples

    1.4 Video: Modals in the simple, continuous, and perfect form

Modal and semi-modal theory

2.1. Different meanings of must

        2.1.1. It is an obligation or it is forbidden

            All items of clothing must be labeled. (obligation)

            You mustn't drive over the speed limit. (forbidden)

        2.1.2. It is necessary or it isn't necessary

            She must text her friend when she gets home. (necessary)

            They don't have to / don't need to / needn't pay in advance.                                                                                     (not necessary)

        2.1.3. Certainty

            He must be delighted with his new job post. (I'm certain                                                                                     he is delighted.)

            It can't be true - I was there myself and it didn't happen                     that way. (I'm certain that it is not true.)

        

         2.1.4. It is a good or it is not good idea

            You must tell him what you think of it. (I think it's a good                                                                                 idea.)

            We shouldn't leave our bags unattended. (I don't think it's a                                                                                 good idea)

Modals in the passive voice

Modals and modal perfect

4.1. Making a criticism sound less strong.

                        Jack can be quite loud at times.  

4.2. Could with a a comparative to express possibility.

                        You could do more to help local charities.  

4.3. Couldn't / couldn't have with a comparative to express impossiblity. 

                         How are you feeling?

                         I couldn't be better! 

    4.4. Informal: When there is no better alternative.

                           The show has been cancelled, so we might / may as well go out for dinner.  

       4.5. Making criticism.

You might ask / might have asked before taking the car keys. 

       4.6. Making a polite suggestion or giving advice.

                        I'm afraid we're fully booked tonight, but you might                          try tomorrow night.

       4.7. When something is right / expected, to show strong                             agreement.  

                        That awful tourism agency is going to refund us. 

                        I should think so too!

Modals in the simple, continuous, and perfect form

Following are several exercises that vary in level of difficulty.

1) Mixed modals from Agendaweb, intermediate level 
2) Past modals exercise from esl-lounge.com
3) Modal verbs gap fill exercise from english-grammar.at
4) Gap fill exercise from english-grammar.at
5) Gap fill exercise 2 from english-grammar.at
6) Modal verbs from english-grammar.at
7) Drop down menu exercise from english-grammar.at
8) Type in the correct option elt.oup.com
9) Advanced exercise from bitgab.com
10) Modals advanced test from englishtestsonline.com
11) List of multiple modals exercises from engelsklaslokaal.nl

12) Advanced level. Multiple choice exercise. Modal verbs from polseguera.org