Simple Modals- Intermediate

SIMPLE MODAL VERBS

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb that is used to indicate modality – that is, likelihood, ability, permission, and obligation. The following chart is a simple explanation of the modals.

Will		(in future tense)		I will be there.
		(in requests)		Will you do it for me?
Won't		(negative of will)		No, I won't.
Can		(to indicate ability)		I can do it.
		(in requests)		Can you help me?
		(informally to ask permission)		Can I use your phone?
Can't		(negative form of can)		No, you can't.
May		(to indicate possibility)		I may go to New York.
		(to ask permission)		May I help you?
Could		(to indicate past ability)		He could play cards well.
		(to indicate possibility)		I could give you a ride.
		(in requests)		Could you open the door please?
		(to ask permission)		Could I use your restroom?
Couldn't		(negative past tense)		I couldn't help it.
Should		(to express obligation)		I should go to the wedding.
		(to conjecture)		He should be in Miami by now.
Shouldn't		(negative suggestions)		You shouldn't do that.

Exercise No. 1

Instructions: 

Fill in the spaces with the right modal verbs. 

0	I ________ speak English very fluently.	Ability (negative modal)
1	We ________ pay for you.	Intention
2	He doesn't sing very well now, but he ________ sing beautifully when he was a child.	Past ability
3	You ____________ eat those mush­rooms; they ____ be poison­ous.	Advice (negative modal) Possibility
4	It ________rain, but I doubt it.	Possibility
5	I write English well, but I have trouble speaking.... You ______find yourself an English boyfriend...that way you'll improve quick enough!	Advice
6	_______ I help you, madam?	Po­l­ite request
7	You_______ forget to pay the rent tomorrow. The owner is very strict about paying on time.	Obligation (negative modal)
8	___________ we go to eat some ice cream?	Intention
9	Jenny's ring is enormous! It ________ cost a fortune.	Possibility
10	_______ I borrow your car this week­end? No because I need it if I go shop­ping.	Per­mission Possibility
11	That job is only open to university graduates. You __________ have at least a bachelor's degree to apply.	Obligation

Answer Key

If you want to check your answers go to the following link.
http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=252456603509406574#editor/target=post;postID=7955894304779849923

Detailed Explanation.

If you did not clearly understand the use of modal verbs go to the following link to reinforce this topic.

http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/rules/modal.htm

Extra Exercises

If you want to keep practicing go to the following linnk.

http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal1.htm