Handout 2
(1)Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal auxiliary verbs and identify the function of the
modal verbs.
1. My grandmother is eighty-five, but she ……………… still read and write without glasses.
(Ability)
a. can [Link] c. may
2. …………….. I come with you?
(request)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
3. ………………. you help me with the housework, please? (Polite request)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
4. There was a time when I ………….. stay up very late. (Past ability)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
5. You …………….. not lose any more weight. You are already slim. (Necessity)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
6. We …………… talk at the phone while driving. (Prohibition)
[Link] not [Link] not [Link]/can’t
7. It is snowing outside so I …………… stay at home. (Intention)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
8. I ………………. get you a shawl from the new shop. (Promise)
[Link] [Link]
[Link] [Link]
9. …………….. you mind if I borrowed your car? (Permission)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
10. ……………. you take care of my dog for a day? (Polite request)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
11. Our country ………………. become a super power by 2025. (possibility)
[Link] [Link]
[Link] [Link]
12. She …………… sell her home because she needs money. (weak possibility)
[Link] [Link] [Link]
(2)Use the modal verbs in the box to complete the sentences. Sometimes there may be more
than one correct answer !
Handout 2
MAY - MIGHT - CAN - CAN'T - SHOULD - SHOULDN'T - MUST - HAVE TO - NEEDN'T - MUSTN'T - DON'T
HAVE TO - DOESN'T HAVE TO
1. I use your pen please ?
2. You write 30 sentences for homework.
3. You write 300 sentences ! 30 will be enough.
4. John speak so quickly.
5. She play the piano well.
6. Please excuse me, but I go now.
7. It's no good . - I just understand what you are talking about.
8. I watch TV tonight. I haven't decided yet.
9. You really see that film. It's great
10. You see that film. It's not so bad.
11. I am happy to say that I work tomorrow.
12. He work hard because he's poor.
11. He never does much work, but he .
12. If you have a bad cough you smoke.
13. They pass the examination if they write carefully.
14. You really make such a noise.
15. I really buy a new notebook. Mine is so old.
16. You study so hard. You get good grades anyway.
17. She write all the letters today. She can save some for tomorrow.
18. I am not going out today. I but I feel too tired.
19. You buy me any presents. I know you don't have the money.
20. Well, I go so soon, so I'll make myself comfortable.
21. You speak French. I speak English quite well.
22. You answer any more questions. This is the last one.