1. 1. Can
We use can to:
• ask permission
Examples:
a) Can I go to the toilet, please?
b) Can Nathan play football today?
• give permission
Examples:
a) Yes, you can.
b) They can take a bottle each.
• show that we are able to do something
Examples:
a) Our grandchildren can run very fast.
b) His nephew can drive a lorry.
2. Could
We use could to:
• ask permission
a) Could I have a drink, please?
b) Could you show me how to rewrite this?
2. • Show that we were able to do something in the past
Examples:
a) She could read when she was only two years old.
b) They could walk very fast when they were young.
3. Will
We use will to:
• ask for something in a polite way
Examples:
a) Will you please take this to your brother?
b) Will all the students stand up, please?
• agree to do something
Examples:
a) I will bake you a cake tomorrow.
b) I will give you a holiday next week.
4. Would
We use would to ask for something in a polite way.
Examples:
a) Would you please stand up?
b) Would the girl who took the book please return it?
5. Shall
We use shall with only I and We to ask something in a polite way.
Examples:
a) Shall I give the answer?
b) Shall I take you home?
3. 6. Should
We use should to ask for something in a polite way.
Examples:
a) Should I take the book?
b) Should I take you home?
7. May
We use may to:
• Ask for something in a polite way
Examples:
a) May I come into the room?
b) May I switch off the fan?
• show possibility of something happening
Examples:
a) It may rain tonight.
b) He may come to the party.
• Give permission
Examples:
a) You may speak now.
b) They may have their lunch at one o’clock.
8. Might
We use might to show that we are not sure about something
Examples:
a) There might be some problems with the computer.
b) The police might know what happened.
9. Must
We use must when someone has to do something
Examples:
a) He must finish all his work by this afternoon.
b) Harold must write a letter to his uncle.
4. Underline the correct word for each sentence.
1. I am sure that Mr. Hugh (can, must) repair the radio,
2. Mr. Desmond (can, will) be able to help the girls.
3. I (may, should) ask my teacher, shouldn’t I?
4. Mohan (must, might) fix your roof now. It is going to rain soon.
5. All the players (must, might) come to the game. It is compulsory.
6. You (shall, can) ask your uncle to teach you Mathematics.
7. Harris (could, must) not decide what to do.
8. I promise that I (shall, may) come to your house.
9. They (should, would) have to finish their work by 5 o’clock.
10. (May, Might) I borrow your bag, please?
11. He said that he (must, will) give us his reply today.
12. All (would, will) go to Brazil on Monday.
13. We (should, shall) have to find another place to play.
14. Pupils (must, can) wear their uniform to school.
15. (Will, Shall) I tell them the good news?
5. Write the correct word in each blank.
1. They have no choice. They _________________ leave now. (must, may)
2. The officer _______________ ask us for our identity cards. (shall, might)
3. _________________ you show me the way, please? (Must, Could)
4. I am sure I _______________ help Joseph. (can, may)
5. We _______________ tell her the news soon. (would, must)
6. _________________ I bring some food for the party? (Should, Would)
7. We are not sure but we ________________be able to find her. (might, can)
8. My employer said that I _________ water the plants every day. (must, could)
9. I ______________ do my best sell the tickets. (can, shall)
10. He __________ make sure everything is ready for the meeting. (will, might)
6. Modals Exercise 1
1. can
2. will
3. should
4. must
5. must
6. can
7. could
8. shall
9. would
10. May
11. will
12. may
13. shall
14. must
15. Shall
Modals Exercise 2
1. must
2. might
3. Could
4. can
5. must
6. Should
7. might
8. must
9. shall
10. will
7. Modals Exercise 1
1. can
2. will
3. should
4. must
5. must
6. can
7. could
8. shall
9. would
10. May
11. will
12. may
13. shall
14. must
15. Shall
Modals Exercise 2
1. must
2. might
3. Could
4. can
5. must
6. Should
7. might
8. must
9. shall
10. will