MODAL VERBS

Ability

100

Five years ago, I (cannot, couldn't) play the piano.

Five years ago, I couldn't play the piano.

200

We (can, might) speak English well.

We can speak English well.

300

The volleyball team (can, could) go to the Olympics this year if they try hard.

The volleyball team can go to the Olympics this year if they try hard.

400

I (cannot, can't) read a book that long.

I can't read a book that long.

500

I think I (can, could) help you learn math if you study hard.

I think I can help you learn math if you study hard.

Obligation

100

When I grow up, I (may, might) become an engineer.

When I grow up, I may become an engineer.

200

You (must/should) come to school now.

You must come to school now.

300

True or False? We use "can" when when an action is necessary.

True

400

If you leave the stove on, the house (may, might) catch on fire.

If you leave the stove on, the house might catch on fire.

500

Billy and I (may, might) cook dinner tonight.

Billy and I may cook dinner tonight.

Necessity/Isistence

100

I think I (will, would) go to the beach this Sunday.

I think I will go to the beach this Sunday.

200

I am feeling tired. I think I (would, have to) go to sleep now.

I am feeling tired. I think I have to go to sleep now.

300

I (will, would) try to act like my father when I was young.

I would try to act like my father when I was young.

400

If you get in trouble, I (won't wouldn't) help you.

If you get in trouble, I won't help you.

500

(Will, Would) you like steak or chicken?

Would you like steak or chicken?

Possibility

100

When something is impossible we use....

can't

200

Time is running out. We (must, mustn't, needn't) hurry.

Time is running out. We must hurry.

300

Mary gave me a letter to send. I (must, mustn't, needn't) forget to mail it.

Mary gave me a letter to send. I mustn't forget to mail it.

400

That snake bite (could be, isn't) very dangerous.

That snake bite could be very dangerous.

500

He will be in school for another two hours. We (must, mustn't) visit him now.

He will be in school for another two hours. We mustn't visit him now.

Past Modals

100

What is the name of the new pope and where is he from?

Francisco, Argentina

200

Filomena was a big winter storm. Schools (had to/couldn't close).

Philomena was a big winter storm. Schools had to close.

300

"Had to" and "didn't have to" are used to express...

obligation

400

For Ability in the past we use...

Could/Couldn't

500

Which two countries announced that they were at war this past weekend? Which countries are their allies?

North Korea (China) and South Korea (USA)