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Modal Verbs Quiz | Present and Future (6) | English Learners

Modal Verbs Quiz

How good is your knowledge of English modal verbs? Can you score 100% on this online Modal Verbs quiz?

Modal Verbs Quiz (6) Present & Future Forms

Select the correct modal verb to complete each sentence.

1. He _____ expect to keep his job after that recent disaster with one of his clients!

has to
can't
must

2. I'm sure we ______ be at the hotel by now. The woman said it was only five minutes down the road.

might
should
must

3. I'm not sure, but I _____ go and see my grandmother this weekend.

might
can
'm bound to

4. Is there a mechanic here who _____ help? My car's broken down.

can
must
should

5. I think she _____ be careful about what she says in the future - her boss was very angry.

'd better
's able to
should to


Score =

Correct answer:


English Grammar

Overview of Modal Verbs: How and When to Use Them

Modal verbs are helping verbs that show necessity, possibility, ability, permission, or advice. They do not change form and are followed by the base form of a verb.

1. Must

Use for: Strong necessity or logical conclusion.

Examples:
  • You must wear a seatbelt. (necessity)
  • He must be tired after working all day. (logical conclusion)

Tip: Use must for strong advice or certainty.
For past obligations, use had to.

2. Can't

Use for: Strong negative certainty or impossibility.

Examples:
  • He can't be serious! (certainty)
  • That can't be the right answer. (impossibility)

Tip: Use "can't" when something is logically impossible.

3. Should

Use for: Advice or mild obligation.

Examples:
  • You should drink more water. (advice)
  • She should apologize. (mild obligation)

Tip: "Should" is softer than "must."
Negative form is "shouldn't" for advice against something.

4. Might

Use for: Possibility (less certain than "may").

Examples:
  • I might go to the party. (possibility)
  • It might rain later. (uncertain possibility)

Tip: Use "might" when you're unsure about something.

5. Can

Use for: Ability or permission.

Examples:
  • I can swim. (ability)
  • Can I use your phone? (permission)

Tip: Use "could" for a polite request, permission, or past ability.

6. Have to

Use for: Obligation or necessity.

Examples:
  • I have to finish my homework. (necessity)

Tip: "Have to" is similar to "must" but more common in everyday speech.
In negative, use "don't have to" to express a lack of obligation.

7. Bound to

Use for: Strong certainty or inevitability.

Examples:
  • He is bound to forget if you don't remind him. (certainty)

Tip: Use when something is very likely to happen.

8. 'd Better (Had Better)

Use for: Strong advice or warning.

Examples:
  • You'd better call her now. (advice/warning)

Tip: Stronger than "should," often used for urgent advice.
Exception: Not used in past or future tenses.

How to Choose the Right Modal Verb

  • Necessity/Obligation: Must, Have to
  • Possibility: Might, Could, May
  • Ability: Can, Could
  • Advice: Should, 'd Better
  • Certainty/Impossibility: Must, Can't, Bound to

Everyday Use Tips

  • Use "must" for strong rules or logical guesses.
  • Use "should" for friendly advice.
  • Use "might" or "could" when you're not sure.
  • Use "can't" when something is impossible.
  • Use "have to" for daily obligations.

Practice these modal verbs in everyday conversations and you'll naturally choose the most appropriate one for each situation.

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