Show:
Ability
Obligation
Necessity/Isistence
Possibility
Past Modals
100
Five years ago, I (cannot, couldn't) play the piano.
Five years ago, I couldn't play the piano.
100
When I grow up, I (may, might) become an engineer.
When I grow up, I may become an engineer.
100
I think I (will, would) go to the beach this Sunday.
I think I will go to the beach this Sunday.
100

When something is impossible we use....

can't

100

Claire has left her handbag here – she (must have/ shouldn’t have) left in a rush.

must have

200

We (can, might) speak English well.

We can speak English well.

200

You (must/should) come to school now.

You must come to school now.

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.

200

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

Time is running out. We must hurry.

200

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

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

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.

300

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

True

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.
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.

300

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

obligation

400

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

I can't read a book that long.

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.
400
If you get in trouble, I (won't wouldn't) help you.
If you get in trouble, I won't help you.
400

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

That snake bite could be very dangerous.

400

For Ability in the past we use...

Could/Couldn't

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.

500
Billy and I (may, might) cook dinner tonight.
Billy and I may cook dinner tonight.
500
(Will, Would) you like steak or chicken?
Would you like steak or chicken?
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.

500
  • What isn’t John at work yet? 
  • I don’t know, he (could/might) have missed the train.

might