Modal Verbs Exercise
Answer:
Let’s go through each question step-by-step and explain the correct answers using modal verbs.
8. Once a base — on the moon, we — to other planets at much lower costs:
A) was built / must have been travelling
B) is built / may have travelled
C) can be built / we’ll have to travel
D) should be built / have had to travel
E) has been built / will be able to travel
Explanation:
- Correct Answer: E) has been built / will be able to travel
Once a base has been built on the moon, we will be able to travel to other planets at much lower costs. The construction must be completed before the traveling begins.
9. As a child, I — the bus to school as our house was only a few blocks away from it, so I — sleep a bit more than my friends.
A) needn’t take / was able to
B) didn’t use to take / had to
C) couldn’t take / didn’t have to
D) didn’t need to take / could
E) mustn’t be taking / would
Explanation:
- Correct Answer: D) didn’t need to take / could
As a child, I didn’t need to take the bus to school as our house was only a few blocks away from it, so I could sleep a bit more than my friends.
10. By grazing in large herds, antelopes — themselves much better from their predators.
A) needn’t protect
B) are able to protect
C) must protect
D) can’t have protected
E) had to protect
Explanation:
- Correct Answer: B) are able to protect
By grazing in large herds, antelopes are able to protect themselves much better from their predators.
11. A child at his age — to sleep by now or else he — properly.
A) may go / shouldn’t grow
B) must be going / needn’t grow
C) can go / should have grown
D) should have gone / can’t grow
E) had better go / must grow
Explanation:
- Correct Answer: E) had better go / must grow
A child at his age had better go to sleep by now or else he must grow properly.
12. Dave — any other choice; otherwise, he wouldn’t have lied to you.
A) isn’t able to have
B) can’t have had
C) shouldn’t have had
D) had better not have
E) shouldn’t be having
Explanation:
- Correct Answer: B) can’t have had
Dave can’t have had any other choice; otherwise, he wouldn’t have lied to you.
13. The new board of directors — new ideas successfully into the traditional structure in the last couple of years.
A) may integrate
B) had better integrate
C) has been able to integrate
D) must integrate
E) is able to integrate
Explanation:
- Correct Answer: C) has been able to integrate
The new board of directors has been able to integrate new ideas successfully into the traditional structure in the last couple of years.
Conclusion
Modal verbs are essential in expressing abilities, possibilities, permissions, and obligations. The practice above covers various ways we can use modal verbs correctly in sentences.