High Quality English Teaching 1

EXERCISES ON MODAL VERBS

Ex 1: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. You’ve got plenty of time. You ______ hurry.
A. needn’t B. can’t C. mustn’t D. mightn’t
2. That was excellent work. But I ______ do it without you
A. can’t B. mustn’t C. needn’t D. couldn’t
3. I ______ go to work on Saturdays. It’s my day off
A. can’t B. shouldn’t C. don’t need to D. needn’t to
4. Ann stayed in bed this morning because she ______ go to work.
A. couldn’t B. didn’t need to C. mustn’t D. mayn’t
5. You ______ forget to turn off the lights when you go to bed.
A. mustn’t B. shouldn’t C. may not D. needn’t
6. He sees very badly, so he ______ wear glasses all the time.
A. can B. needs C. must D. might
7. I ______ swim well when I was a child. I even won the school championships.
A. should B. may C. must D. could
8. You ______ go to the grocery store to buy milk. We have some milk in the fridge.
A. needn’t B. shouldn’t C. mustn’t D. mightn’t
9. When I was in school, I ______ do a hand stand, but now I’m too old.
A. can B. could C. will D. should
10. Dad ______ go and see a doctor. His cough is getting worse all the time.
A. mustn’t B. need C. should D. cannot
Ex 2: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. You don’t have to shout. I ______ hear you very well.
A. must B. can C. should D. need
2. You look pretty tired. I think you ______ go to bed early tonight.
A. should B. can C. might D. must
3. “Children, you ______ cross the street if the lights are red!”
A. mayn’t B. mustn’t C. needn’t D. mightn’t
4. You ______ sit so near the TV. It’s bad for your eyes.
A. cannot B. couldn’t C. may not D. shouldn’t
5. I ______ stop and talk to you now. I have to get to the library.
A. couldn’t B. mustn’t C. oughtn’t D. cannot
6. You ______ use your mobile phone during the test. It's against the rules.
A. mightn't B. mustn't C. oughtn't D. needn't
7. All students ______ hand in their assignments by Friday at the latest.
A. ought B. might C. must D. may
8. You ______ pass the exam in order to graduate from high school.
A. must B. can C. may D. might
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

9. Jeff’s great in the kitchen – he ______ cook amazing meals!

A. could B. needs C. may D. must
10. Passengers ______ open the door when the train is moving.
A. mustn’t B. needn’t C. mightn’t D. oughtn’t
Ex 3: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. Rose and Ted ______ be good players. They have won hundreds of cups!
A. might B. may C. can D. must
2. I’m not sure where my wife is at the moment. She ______ be at her dance class.
A. may B. must C. can D. could
3. Jerry ______ be working today. He never works on Sundays.
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A. needn’t B. mustn’t C. can’t D. couldn’t
4. It ______ be him. I saw him a week ago, and he didn’t look like that.
A. shouldn’t B. mustn’t C. needn’t D. can’t
5. I don’t know where Kelly is. She ______ be at her sister’s.
A. might B. can C. must D. should
6. It ______ rain today. It’s getting cloudy already.
A. must B. can C. will D. may
7. There’s a knock at the door. I’m expecting Paul. It ______ be him
A. must B. should C. need D. could
8. I can’t get my phone to work. It ______ be out of order.
A. may B. must C. should D. might
9. She ______ be 35. She looks older than that.
A. shouldn’t B. couldn’t C. mustn’t D. can’t
10. Sally looks sad and worried. She ______ have a problem with something.
A. Must B. can C. should D. need
Ex 4: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. She ______ be at work; she always works at this time.
A. can B. may C. could D. must
2. It ______ happen, but it is very unlikely.
A. must B. need C. should D. might
3. I'm not sure, but Tony ______ probably get that demanding job.
A. must B. need C. ought D. might
4. You ______ be hungry. You’ve just eaten two burgers.
A. can’t B. must C. should D. could
5. Ludwig: “Look! That’s Jenny.” – Michael: “It ______ be Jenny. She’s in London today.”
A. mustn’t B. mightn’t C. can’t D. mayn’t
6. Nuria: “Do you know where Javier is?” – Paul: “I’m not sure. He ______ be in the bathroom.
A. might B. must C. can D. should
7. Scott: “I’ve made a cake for our party.” – Greg: “It looks great. You ______ be a really good
cook.”
A. can B. may C. might D. must
8. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It ______ have cost a fortune
A. must B. might C. will D. should
9. Peter ______ come with us tonight, but he isn’t very sure.
A. must B. may C. can D. will
10. She hasn’t eaten anything since yesterday. She ______ be very hungry.
A. might B. will C. must D. can
Ex 5: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. I didn’t feel very well yesterday. I ______ eat anything.
A. cannot B. couldn’t C. mustn’t D. shouldn’t
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

2. I was using my pencil a minute ago. It ______ be here somewhere!

A. can B. could C. must D. would
3. Phone her now. She ______ home by now.
A. has to be B. must be C. would be D. need
4. You ______ forget your sun cream. It’s going to be very hot!
A. don’t have to B. mustn’t C. needn’t D. mayn’t
5. I ______ be able to help you, but I’m not sure yet.
A. might B. would C. must D. should
6. Already as a child Mozart ______ play the piano beautifully.
A. could B. should C. would D. can
7. Which sign are you more likely to see at an airport: Bags ______ not be left unattended.
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A. can B. must C. may D. need
8. Whose is this bag? - I don’t know, but it ______ belong to Yuta.
A. could B. may C. should D. would
9. You ______ tired. You’ve only just got out of bed!
A. don’t have to be B. can’t be C. mustn’t be D. mightn’t be
10. She ______ be very pleased with herself. She got the best grades.
A. has to B. must C. cannot D. need
Ex 6: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. Detective, my son ______ that car last Sunday afternoon. He was getting married at that time
in front of 200 guests!
A. couldn't have stolen C. shouldn't have stolen
B. may not have stolen D. mustn’t have stolen
2. That smart girl studied a lot, so she ______ well on the test, but she didn’t.
A. may have done B. should have done C. must have done D. need have done
3. Who broke the big vase in the back office? - It ______ Brian – he’s very clumsy.
A. should have been B. need have been C. might have been D. ought to have been
4. I’m not sure where the boss went this morning. He ______ to our other branch office in
Glendale.
A. should have gone B. would have gone C. can’t have gone D. may have gone
5. The big grammar test is today. I’m in trouble – I ______ last night, but I didn't!
A. should have studied C. must have studied
B. may have studied D. would have done
6. Taylor Swift’s latest boyfriend just left her for a younger girl who isn’t even famous. She
______ happy when she found out!
A. shouldn't have been C. would rather have been
B. need have been D. can't have been
7. Uh-oh, you broke Dad’s favorite pool cue. You ______ that – you’re going to be in big
trouble.
A. may not have done C. must not have done
B. shouldn't have done D. needn’t have done
8. Wow, Sally has never missed a day of work before. - Well, she was coughing yesterday, and
she didn’t look good. She ______ sick.
A. should have gotten C. must have gotten
B. ought to have gotten D. can’t have gotten
9. I can't find my sunglasses. My sister ______ them with her when she went out.
A. should have taken B. need have taken C. must have taken D. had better take
10. Ann is very ill, she ______ a doctor when I told her to do so.
A. might have seen B. had better see C. must have seen D. should have seen
Ex 7: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. I made a mistake yesterday. I ______ the keys in my car and now it is stolen.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

A. must not have left C. should not have left

B. could not have left D. ought not to leave
2. We had our house painted, but it looks darker now. We ______ a different colour.
A. must have chosen C. didn't need to choose
B. had to choose D. should have chosen
3. "I could not believe my eyes. He finished the whole cake himself." - "But he ______ hungry.
He had eaten a great meal before he left!"
A. may not have been C. could not have been
B. should not have been D. must not have been
4. Donald ______ at work early in the morning because his customers usually came in the
afternoon.
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A. needn't be C. didn't have to be
B. shouldn't have been D. can't have been
5. Paul asked me to check the exercises. He thought I ______ have made a mistake.
A. might B. can C. should D. need
6. A. “Why is Sue late for work?” B. “Her train ______ have been delayed due to the strike”.
A. can’t B. ought to C. might D. should
7. Pam ______ have set the alarm clock since she had the day off.
A. mustn’t B. can’t C. needn’t D. couldn’t
8. Mrs. Black will get angry. I ______ have written the history essay last weekend.
A. must B. should C. may D. can
9. The children ______ have finished their homework by the time we get home, but I’m not sure.
A. aren’t able to B. have to C. might D. must
10. Why didn’t you ask Paul for help? He ______ have given a lift to the airport yesterday.
A. can B. ought to C. could D. should
Ex 8: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. It’s 8 p.m. now. Paul ______ be at home; he always works until 9 p.m.
A. can’t B. mustn’t C. can D. may
2. My sister ______ come back from London tonight, but I’m not sure.
A. may B. ought to C. must D. had better
3. Nobody knows exactly why he died. But we think it ______ have been an accident.
A. should B. might C. can D. must
4. I ______ have revised more for the exam. I was lazy, and now I'll fail!
A. might B. can C. must D. should
5. My son has always been a clever boy; he ______ read when he was three.
A. could B. might C. may D. must
6. Sarah looked very happy. She ______ passed her driving test.
A. should B. can’t C. must D. need
7. The window was broken, so the thieves ______ have got in through that window
A. Must B. should C. may D. might
8. You often have headaches. I think you ______ visit a neurologist.
A. may B. can C. should D. need
9. Mary ______ have forgotten our appointment. Why isn’t she here?
A. can B. must C. may D. should
10. A. “Isn’t that John over there?” B. “It ______ be John, he’s at work now.”
A. mustn’t B. can’t C. shouldn’t D. needn’t
Ex 9: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. I ______ take a bus to school; I go there on foot every day.
A. mustn’t B. needn’t C. shouldn’t D. can’t
2. You ______ bring anything; we’ve bought everything for dinner.
A. have not to B. may not C. don’t need to D. shouldn’t
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

3. You ______ have paid more attention. Now we are lost.

A. must B. can C. need D. ought to
4. I don't know where they went but they ______ have gone to Paris or Marseille.
A. could B. must C. should D. need
5. We’ve run out of coffee. We ______ get some tomorrow.
A. may B. must C. might D. need
6. You ______ ill yesterday. Jessie saw you playing football with your classmates.
A. shouldn’t have been C. mustn’t be
B. can’t have been D. can’t be
7. I can't believe Jim hasn't arrived yet. He ______ have taken the wrong train.
A. should B. can C. would D. must
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8. Dad is taking a nap; you ______ make so much noise, children.
A. mustn’t B. might not C. needn’t D. can’t
9. You ______ buy a dictionary; there are a lot in class.
A. may not B. mustn’t C. needn’t D. shouldn’t
10. I didn't know you were going to Phil's party yesterday. You ______ me!
A. Should tell B. might have told C. must tell D. should have told
Ex 10: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each
of the following questions.
1. She ______ before she was a year old.
A. could walk B. could have walked C. can walk D. can have walked
2. I’m not sure, but I ______ early tonight.
A. must have left B. might have left C. need leave D. may leave
3. I’m not sure where my wife is at the moment. She ______ be at her dance class.
A. must B. should C. ought to D. might
4. She knew everything about our plans. She ______ to our conversation
A. can’t have listened C. must listen
B. must have listened D. could listen
5. Ann stayed in bed this morning because she ______ to work.
A. shouldn’t have gone C. didn’t have to
B. must have gone D. couldn’t have gone
6. This chest of drawers is very old. It ______ at least 200 years old.
A. can’t be B. should be C. will be D. must be
7. She did really badly in her test. She ______ much.
A. mustn’t have studied C. shouldn’t have studied
B. might not have studied D. can’t have studied
8. Layla: “My daughter got a silver medal in the last race!” – Bobby: “You ______ really proud
of her!”
A. can’t be B. have to be C. must be D. could be
9. They ______ so much food with them! They knew I was going to prepare some myself.
A. mustn’t have brought C. needn’t have brought
B. didn’t need to bring D. needn’t bring
10. You ______ smoke cigarette in hospital.
A. might not B. couldn’t C. needn’t D. mustn’t
Ex 11: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the
sentence printed before it.
1. It is forbidden to take photos in the museum.
 You .
2. You are required to show your student card as you enter the library.
 You .
3. Soldiers are forbidden to leave the camp unless they get special permission.
 Soldiers .
4. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed to go beyond this point.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

 Unauthorized personnel .
5. Readers are not permitted to take books out of the library without first filling in a form.
 Reader .
6. It’s forbidden to touch the statues in the museum.
 You .
7. You are not allowed to use a dictionary during the exam.
 You .
8. Eating is prohibited on the Metro.
 You .
9. It is against the rules to write your answers in ink.
 You .
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10. It is against the rules to start writing before the test starts.
 You .
Ex 12: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the
sentence printed before it.
1. I’m sure he is at least thirty-five.
 He .
2. They are so elegant. I’m sure they are going to a party.
 They are so elegant. They .
3. Surely the theater isn’t full already.
 The theater .
4. It is impossible that he speaks five languages.
 He .
5. I’m sure she isn’t feeling sick now.
 She .
6. I believe business is now experiencing a severe recession.
 Business .
7. It is certain that he failed the exam because he didn’t study at all.
 He .
8. I’m sure she was very beautiful when she was young.
 They .
9. I'm pretty sure that he didn't open the window.
 He .
10. I suppose he has left Austria.
 He .
11. I strongly believe that David is not lying this time.
 David .
12. It's impossible that they are hungry. They just had a full Irish breakfast.
 They .
13. I’m certain they informed the police about the robbery.
 They .
14. I have no doubt that he was lying to you.
 He .
15. I don’t believe Harry spent the whole evening studying for his French exam.
 Harry .
Ex 13: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the
sentence printed before it.
1. It’s a good idea to get a dental check-up every six months.
 You .
2. It is a bad idea for us to smoke in here.
 We .
3. I'd see a doctor if I were you.
 You .
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

4. It would be a good idea to avoid eating sweets.

 You .
5. It would be a good idea to eat less high-cholesterol food.
 You .
6. It was careless of you to leave without locking the door.
 You .
7. It wasn't a good idea for you to call him an idiot.
 You .
8. It was wrong of him to go without checking the times.
 You .
9. It was very bad of you to use my mobile without asking my permission.
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 You .
10. I regret not speaking to Marge sooner.
 I .
11. I wish I hadn’t eaten all those shellfish.
 I .
12. My only regret is that I didn’t follow her advice.
 I .
13. It was a mistake for you to get angry with your mother.
 You .
14. It was careless of you not to invite him to the party.
 You .
15. It is impolite to say such things to the kids.
 You .
Ex 14: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the
sentence printed before it.
1. There is no obligation to work anymore, so you can relax.
 You .
2. It is necessary for me to study for the exam.
 I .
3. It is not essential for Jim to get up early tomorrow because it is a holiday.
 Jim .
4. It’s not necessary for Julie to work today; she can have the day off.
 Julie .
5. There is no need for you to water the plants this morning.
 You .
6. It wasn’t necessary for him to take a coat but he did.
 He .
7. We took a lot of luggage on our holiday, which was not necessary.
 We .
8. It was not necessary for them to buy so much food.
 They .
9. She came early last night, which was unnecessary because they party didn’t start till ten.
 She .
10. It wasn’t necessary for her to buy as many eggs as she did.
 She .
11. It is important for you to learn to drive.
 You .
12. There is no need to correct the tests today.
 You .
13. It wasn’t necessary for her to buy so many eggs but she did.
 She .
14. It wasn’t necessary to buy so many roses as you did.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

 You .
15. There was no need for you to buy me that present.
 You .
Ex 15: Finish each of the following sentences in such a way that it means the same as the
sentence printed before it.
1. It is very possible that he will win the prize.
 He .
2. He is likely to change his job.
 He .
3. He’ll probably come to the party.
 He .
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4. Perhaps she is busy at the moment.
 She .
5. There is a possibility Paul will come to the party this evening.
 Paul .
6. Perhaps she was behaving so arrogantly because of her insecurity.
 She .
7. It was likely that she had taken the last train.
 She .
8. I think Alice worked at a hotel last summer, but I’m not sure.
 Alice .
9. Maybe Paul forgot that we changed the time of the meeting.
 Paul .
10. Perhaps we missed the correct turning.
 We .
Ex 16: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest
in meaning to each of the following questions.
1. It is possible that we won’t have to take an entrance exam this year.
A. Perhaps we didn’t have to take an entrance exam this year.
B. We mustn’t take an entrance exam this year.
C. We might not have to take an entrance exam this year.
D. It is very likely that we will take an entrance exam this year.
2. Workers are not allowed to use the office phone for personal calls.
A. The office phone is supposed to be used by workers only.
B. They don’t allow workers to make phone calls personally.
C. Workers mustn’t use the office phone for personal purposes.
D. They don’t let workers use the office phone.
3. If only I had taken his advice.
A. I should have taken his advice. C. I regret taking his advice.
B. I wish I hadn’t taken his advice. D. I regret not to take his advice.
4. Janet had better change her job.
A. Janet had a better job after changing. C. Janet had changed her job for good.
B. Janet should change her job. D. Janet’s job had change for the better.
5. If only you had told me the truth about the theft.
A. You should have told me the truth about the theft.
B. Only if you had told me the truth about the theft.
C. Had you told me the truth, there wouldn’t have been the theft.
D. You only told me the truth if there was a theft.
6. You should have persuaded him to change his mind
A. It was essential to persuade him to change his mind but you didn’t.
B. You should persuade him to change his mind.
C. You persuaded him to change his mind but he didn’t listen.
D. You didn’t persuade him to change because of his mind.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

7. It would have been better if he had told us his new address.

A. He might have told us his new address.
B. He should have told us his new address.
C. He must have told us his address.
D. It doesn’t matter that he didn’t tell us his address.
8. I am sure that they are not expecting us this early.
A. We should arrive early or they will expect us.
B. They can’t be expecting us this early.
C. If we arrive this early, they are not there.
D. They may not like us to arrive late.
9. Tim is likely to fail if he takes the exam without studying.
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A. Tim will not fail if he takes the exam without studying.
B. Tim may fail the exam if he doesn’t study.
C. It’s certain that Tim will fail because he doesn’t study.
D. I’m sure that Tim will pass the exam if he studies.
10. Tom has been working all day. He must be tired now.
A. I’m sure Tom is tired after working all day.
B. I think Tom must work all day and tired now.
C. I think Tom was tired all day working.
D. Tom is tired now because he is working all day.
Ex 17: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest
in meaning to each of the following questions.
1. You needn’t have taken so many warm clothes.
A. It’s not necessary for you to take so many warm clothes.
B. You have taken so many warm clothes that I don’t need.
C. There is no need for you to take so many warm clothes.
D. You took a lot of warm clothes, which was not necessary.
2. It must have rained last night.
A. I believe it rained last night. C. It’s impossible that it rained last night.
B. I think it has rained last night. D. it’s likely to rain last night.
3. Richard must have forgot about our meeting.
A. Richards never forgets when he has a meeting.
B. It seems that Richard forgot our meeting.
C. Richard should have cancelled the meeting.
D. Richard has to come to a meeting.
4. It couldn’t have been Mary that you heard shouting last night, as she is vacationing in Vermont
at the moment.
A. I think Mary is on holiday in Vermont now, so you may be wrong in thinking that you
heard her yelling last night.
B. Right now, Mary is having a holiday in Vermont, so it is impossible that it was she whose
shouting you heard last night.
C. Are you sure it was Mary who shouted to you last night, because, as far as I know, she is
on vacation in Vermont at the moment?
D. If it was Mary that you heard yelling last night, then she can’t be taking a vacation in
Vermont at the moment.
5. Mary might have phoned while we were out.
A. Possibly Mary phoned while we were out.
B. Unfortunately, we were out while Mary phoned.
C. We were sure Mary had phoned while we were out.
D. Mary ought to have phoned while we were out.
6. You need not have washed the sheets. The hotel staff does the cleaning.
A. It is good that you washed the sheets.
B. It was not necessary to wash the sheets, even though you did.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

C. It was necessary to wash the sheets, but you did not do it.
D. It was necessary to wash the sheets, and you did not do it.
7. I'm sure it was Tom who cleared everything up.
A. Tom must have clear everything up. C. Tom must has cleared everything up.
B. Tom must has not cleared everything up. D. Tom must have cleared everything up.
8. It was careless of you to leave the luggage over there unattended.
A. You shouldn’t have left the luggage over there unattended.
B. Leaving the luggage unattended is not permitted.
C. You shouldn’t leave the luggage over there unattended.
D. You could hardly leave the luggage over there unattended.
9. Walking on the grass in the park is not permitted.
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A. You can walk on the grass in the park if you want to.
B. People like walking on the grass in the park.
C. We must not walk on the grass in the park.
D. We do not have to walk on the grass in the park.
10. It’s possible that she did not hear what I said.
A. She may not hear what I said. C. She may not have heard what I said.
B. She might not hear what I said. D. She might have not heard what I said

Ex 18: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest
in meaning to each of the following questions.
1. Tom went on and on apologizing about it, which was quite unnecessary.
A. Tom can’t have apologized. I quite understand.
B. Tom shouldn’t have apologized. I quite understand.
C. Tom wouldn’t have apologized. I quite understand.
D. Tom needn’t have apologized. I quite understand.
2. It was a mistake for her to marry Peter.
A. She shouldn’t have married Peter.
B. She and Peter weren’t married in the right way.
C. Peter didn’t want to get married, so it was her mistake.
D. She ought to think again before she marries Peter.
3. The man gave his daughter more money than necessary.
A. The father must have given his daughter a lot of money.
B. The father can’t have given his daughter a lot of money.
C. The father shouldn’t have given his daughter so much money.
D. The father needn’t have given his daughter so much money.
4. You were wrong to let them watch too much TV.
A. Watching TV is not good for them.
B. You shouldn’t have allowed them to watch too much TV.
C. You had better not let them watch TV too much.
D. You needn’t have allowed them to watch too much TV.
5. Tom wished he had studied harder for his graduation exam.
A. Tom should have studied harder for his graduation exam.
B. Tom might have studied harder for his graduation exam.
C. Tom must have studied harder for his graduation exam.
D. Tom can’t have studied harder for his graduation exam.
6. It was wrong of you not to call the fire brigade at once.
A. The fire brigade was called at the wrong time.
B. You should have called the fire brigade at once.
C. You didn’t call the fire brigade at once, which was a good idea.
D. Calling the fire brigade must be done at once.
7. I’m sure it wasn’t Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

A. It mustn’t have been Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.

B. It might not be Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
C. It can’t have been Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
D. It couldn’t be Mr. Pike you saw because he is in London.
8. I am sure that they are hungry now.
A. It’s possible that they are hungry now. C. They must be hungry now.
B. They must have been hungry now. D. They are required to be hungry now.
9. It’s impossible that John is at school right now.
A. John can’t be at school right now. C. John mustn’t be at school right now.
B. John can’t have been at school now. D. John mustn’t have been at school right now.
10. Perhaps Nam went out with his girlfriend.
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Exercises on Modal Verbs
High Quality English Teaching 11
A. Nam must go out with his girlfriend.
B. Nam probably goes out with his girlfriend.
C. Nam might have gone out with his girlfriend.
D. Nam should have gone out with his girlfriend.
Ex 19: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest
in meaning to each of the following questions.
1. I’m certain that he finished all his exercises.
A. He can’t have finished all his exercises. C. He needn’t have finished all his exercises.
B. He might have finished all his exercises. D. He must have finished all his exercises.
2. It is possible that Mary has got lost.
A. There’s possibility that Mary will get lost.
B. Mary may have got lost.
C. Mary must have got lost.
D. It is impossible that Mary has got lost.
3. I know that it wasn’t Phong you saw because he is in Hanoi.
A. It couldn’t be Phong you saw because he is in Hanoi.
B. You mustn’t have seen Phong you saw because he is in Hanoi.
C. It can’t have been Phong you saw because he is in Hanoi.
D. Phong might not see you because he is in Hanoi.
4. Mike should have listened to your advice.
A. It was essential that Mike listened to your advice, but he didn’t.
B. Mike was wrong to listen to your advice.
C. Mike didn’t want to listen to your advice.
D. Mike has listened to your advice.
5. I think I should have cooked more food. There’s nothing left now.
A. I should not have cooked so much food.
B. I regret not to cook too much food now.
C. I did not cook much food and I think it is ok now.
D. I did not cook much food and I think it was a mistake.
6. You should have had your eyes tested a long time ago.
A. You haven’t had your eyes tested though it’s necessary.
B. Your eyes should be tested a long time ago.
C. You had your eyes tested a long time ago.
D. It’s a long time ago since you had your eyes tested.
7. There was no need for you to have left the house in such weather.
A. You needn’t leave the house in such weather.
B. You needn’t have left the house in such weather.
C. You didn’t have to leave the house in such weather.
D. You didn’t need to leave the house in such weather.
8. It is unlikely that results of the elections will be made public before tomorrow morning.
A. Before tomorrow morning we will probably know the result of the elections.
B. Tomorrow morning is probably the earliest that anyone will know the result of the
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

selection.
C. The results of the elections will most likely be made known before tomorrow morning.
D. We will probably not be told the results of the elections tomorrow morning.
9. John was not here yesterday. Perhaps he was ill.
A. John needn't be here yesterday because he was ill.
B. Because of his illness, John shouldn't have been here yesterday.
C. John might have been ill yesterday, so he was not here.
D. John must have been ill yesterday, so he was not here.
10. I really believe my letter came as a great surprise to John.
A. John might be very surprised to receive my letter.
B. John might have been very surprised to receive my letter.
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Exercises on Modal Verbs
High Quality English Teaching 12
C. John must be very surprised to receive my letter.
D. John must have been very surprised to receive my letter.
Ex 20: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the sentence that is closest
in meaning to each of the following questions.
1. Sally paid for her travel in advance, but it wasn’t necessary.
A. Sally needn’t have paid for her travel in advance.
B. Sally might not have paid for her travel in advance.
C. Sally may not have paid for her travel in advance.
D. Sally couldn’t have paid for her travel in advance.
2. I‘m sure Luisa was very disappointed when she failed the exam.
A. Luisa must be very disappointed when she failed the exam.
B. Luisa must have been very disappointed when she failed the exam.
C. Luisa may be very disappointed when she failed the exam.
D. Luisa could have been very disappointed when she failed the exam.
3. It’s not necessary that you do your homework now.
A. You shouldn’t do your homework now. C. You must do your homework now.
B. You needn’t do your homework now. D. You cannot do no homework now.
4. I really believe that he drew this picture last night.
A. He may be drawn this picture last night.
B. He must draw this picture the night before.
C. He could have drawn when this picture the previous night.
D. He must have drawn this picture last night.
5. It was wrong of you to criticise your son in front of his friends.
A. You shouldn't have criticised your son in front of his friends.
B. You must have criticised your son in front of his friends.
C. You mightn't have criticised your son in front of his friends.
D. You could have criticised your son in front of his friends.
6. I'm certain that Joe attended the ceremony as he can vividly recount the event.
A. Joe needn't have attended the ceremony as he can vividly recount the event.
B. Joe mightn't have attended the ceremony as he can vividly recount the event.
C. Joe must have attended the ceremony as he can vividly recount the event.
D. Joe could have attended the ceremony as he can vividly recount the event.
7. I'm sure that they had practised hard for the games as they won a lot of medals.
A. They couldn't have practised hard for the games as they won a lot of medals.
B. They must have practised hard for the games as they won a lot of medals.
C. They shouldn't have practised hard for the games as they won a lot of medals.
D. They might have practised hard for the games as they won a lot of medals.
8. I thought it was not necessary to book tickets for the film in advance, but I was wrong.
A. I couldn't have booked tickets for the film in advance.
B. I must have booked tickets for the film in advance.
C. I should have booked tickets for the film in advance.
D. I needn't have booked tickets for the film in advance.
By Thay Giao Thao – English Teacher

9. There’s a possibility that I will study in Spain after graduating.

A. I must study in Spain after graduating.
B. I should study in Spain after graduating.
C. I may study in Spain after graduating.
D. I am certain about studying in Spain after graduating.
10. It isn’t necessary for us to discuss this matter in great detail.
A. We should discuss this matter in great detail.
B. We needn’t discuss this matter in great detail.
C. We might discuss this matter in great detail.
D. We mustn’t discuss this matter in great detail.

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Exercises on Modal Verbs