Modal Verbs: Ability and Permission grammar Exercise

Master the usage of modal verbs like can, could, may, and might for expressing ability, permission, and possibility. Choose the correct modal verb for each situation.

Exercise Guide

How to complete:

Choose the correct modal verb from the multiple choice options. Focus on the context to determine whether the situation requires ability, permission, or possibility.

Read each question carefully to understand the context and situation.
Consider the meaning: can/could (ability), may/might (permission/possibility).
Pay attention to formal vs. informal situations.
Choose the most appropriate option from A, B, C, or D.
Review your answers before submitting.

Success tips:

Use 'can' for present ability and informal permission.
Use 'could' for past ability or polite requests.
Use 'may' for formal permission or possibility.
Use 'might' for weaker possibility or very polite requests.
Context clues like formal/informal settings help choose the right modal.

Knowledge:

Modal verbs express ability, permission, possibility, and requests. This exercise focuses on can, could, may, and might. Understanding the subtle differences between these modals and when to use them in formal vs. informal contexts is essential for effective English communication.

Complete the Exercise

Question 1

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When I was younger, I _____ run very fast, but now I can't run as quickly.

Talking about past ability compared to present ability.

Choose the correct answer:

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Question 2

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Excuse me, _____ I borrow your pen for a moment?

Making a polite request to a stranger.

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Question 3

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She _____ speak three languages fluently.

Describing someone's current language abilities.

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Question 4

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It's getting cloudy. It _____ rain later today.

Expressing possibility about future weather.

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Question 5

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Students _____ use calculators during the math exam.

School rule about what is allowed during exams.

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Question 6

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_____ you please turn down the music? It's quite loud.

Making a polite request to reduce noise.

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Question 7

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I'm not sure where Tom is. He _____ be at the library studying.

Expressing uncertainty about someone's location.

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Question 8

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When she was five years old, she _____ already read simple books.

Describing a child's past reading ability.

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Question 9

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Professor, _____ I submit my assignment tomorrow instead of today?

Student asking teacher for deadline extension.

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Question 10

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This problem is difficult, but I think I _____ solve it if I try harder.

Expressing confidence about future ability to solve something.

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Question 11

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The weather forecast says it _____ snow tomorrow, but it's not certain.

Weather prediction with uncertainty.

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Question 12

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I _____ drive when I was 16, but I got my license at 18.

Talking about past ability that wasn't realized.

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Question 13

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You look tired. You _____ want to take a break.

Suggesting something that seems likely or advisable.

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Question 14

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_____ I help you carry those heavy bags?

Offering help in a friendly, informal way.

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Not answered yet

Question 15

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She _____ be the best student in our class, but she never shows off.

Expressing strong possibility or likelihood about someone's abilities.

Choose the correct answer:

Not answered yet

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