Challenge Yourself With This Modal Verbs Quiz
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If you plan to take a long trip in the car, you ___ get a full tank of gas, or you might run out of gas!
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Should
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Don't have to has to
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Must not
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Don't have to
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About This Quiz
Are your grammar skills up to the challenge? Discover your proficiency with our Modal Verbs Quiz, specially designed to test your understanding of these versatile verbs. Modal verbs, such as can, could, must, may, and might, are essential in English grammar for expressing ability, obligation, possibility, and permission.
To pass, aim for a score above 70%. You'll encounter questions that require you to select the correct modal verb to complete sentences effectively. If you're a student aiming to solidify your grammar foundation or someone eager to refine your language skills, this modal verbs test is a valuable resource. Step up to the challenge and put your knowledge of modal verbs to the test.
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- 2.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a modal verb?
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She can speak three languages fluently.
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They walks to school every day.
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I going to the store tomorrow.
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We sings loudly in the choir.
Correct Answer
A. She can speak three languages fluently.Explanation
Modal verbs are auxiliary (helping) verbs that express necessity, possibility, ability, permission, or obligation. Examples of modal verbs include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. In sentence A, "can" is a modal verb that shows the ability to speak three languages. The other sentences contain grammatical errors, such as incorrect verb forms, and do not use modal verbs. Therefore, the correct answer is A.Rate this question:
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- 3.
It's not a good idea to talk on a cell phone and drive at the same time. Drivers ___ do that.
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Should
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Shouldn't
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Have to
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Must
Correct Answer
A. Shouldn'tExplanation
The sentence advises against talking on a cell phone while driving. The word "shouldn't" (should not) is used to give advice or to say that something is not a good idea. Therefore, "shouldn't" is the most appropriate word to complete the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Which of the following sentences is correct when using the modal verb "must"?
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You must to leave now.
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You must leave now.
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You must leaving now.
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You must have left now.
Correct Answer
A. You must leave now.Explanation
The modal verb "must" is used to express necessity or obligation. It is followed by the base form of the verb without "to" or any other auxiliary. In this case, "must leave" expresses the idea that leaving is required right now. "Must to leave" and "must leaving" are incorrect because modal verbs do not require the infinitive "to" or the gerund form of the verb. "Must have left" changes the meaning to past necessity, which isn't suitable for this immediate situation.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which sentence correctly uses "should" to express advice?
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You should to exercise regularly.
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You should exercise regularly.
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You should exercising regularly.
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You should have exercised regularly.
Correct Answer
A. You should exercise regularly.Explanation
"Should" is used to give advice or suggest something as a good idea. It is followed by the base form of the verb without "to" or any other auxiliary. "You should exercise" correctly conveys that exercising regularly is recommended. The other options are incorrect because "should" is never followed by "to" or a gerund like "exercising." "Should have exercised" refers to a past recommendation, which changes the meaning of the sentence.Rate this question:
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- 6.
You _______ report the incident to the authorities immediately.
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Can
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Might
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Must
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Could
Correct Answer
A. MustExplanation
"Must" indicates a strong obligation or necessity. In this context, it implies that reporting the incident is not merely an option but a requirement, likely due to legal or ethical reasons. "Can" suggests ability, "might" implies possibility, and "could" indicates a less forceful suggestion or a conditional ability, none of which convey the mandatory nature of reporting the incident.Rate this question:
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- 7.
When you are putting gasoline in your gas tank, you ___ smoke! It is forbidden.
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Must not
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Must
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Have to
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Don't have to
Correct Answer
A. Must notExplanation
The phrase "must not" is used to indicate a strict prohibition, meaning something is absolutely not allowed. In the context of putting gasoline in your gas tank, smoking is extremely dangerous due to the highly flammable nature of gasoline vapors. Igniting a cigarette could cause a fire or explosion, posing serious risks to safety. Therefore, "must not" emphasizes that smoking in this situation is forbidden and must be avoided at all costs.Rate this question:
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- 8.
It _______ rain later this evening according to the weather forecast.
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Might
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Can
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Must
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Shall
Correct Answer
A. MightExplanation
"Might" is typically used to express uncertainty or possibility, particularly about future events. In this sentence, "might" introduces the potential for rain as predicted by the weather forecast, acknowledging that while the forecast suggests rain is possible, it is not guaranteed. The choice of "might" here reflects the inherent uncertainty of weather predictions, allowing for a cautious approach to discussing future conditions without committing to a definitive outcome. This modal verb is ideal for discussing probabilities where outcomes are not certain, making it the best fit for the given sentence.Rate this question:
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- 9.
In some states, it is illegal to talk on a cell phone in your car. Those drivers ___ use phones in their cars.
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Don't have to
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Should
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Must not
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Must
Correct Answer
A. Must notExplanation
In some states, it is illegal to talk on a cell phone in your car. This implies that there is a prohibition or restriction on using phones while driving. Therefore, the correct answer is "must not," indicating that drivers are not allowed or should not use phones in their cars in those states.Rate this question:
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- 10.
He _______ swim across the lake when he was younger.
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Can
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Could
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Shall
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Must
Correct Answer
A. CouldExplanation
"Could" is the past tense form of "can" and is used here to reflect on past abilities or capabilities. It suggests that the subject had the ability to swim across the lake during his younger years but does not necessarily imply that he can still perform this action now. This usage is appropriate for discussing abilities in a past context, offering a nostalgic reflection on what was once possible, contrasting with present abilities which might have changed over time.Rate this question:
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- 11.
While you are driving, you ___ listen to the radio. It's not necessary.
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Doesn't have to
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Must
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Don't have to
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Must not
Correct Answer
A. Don't have toExplanation
The phrase "don't have to" indicates that listening to the radio while driving is not a requirement or obligation. It implies that it's perfectly acceptable to drive without listening to the radio. The other options are incorrect because:
"doesn't have to" is grammatically incorrect in this context.
"must" implies an obligation or necessity.
"must not" implies a prohibition.Rate this question:
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- 12.
You _______ try the cheesecake; it’s excellent here.
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Will
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Must
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Should
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Would
Correct Answer
A. ShouldExplanation
The modal verb "should" is often used to make recommendations or give advice in a way that is less forceful and more suggestive, making it perfect for conveying polite suggestions. In this context, recommending the cheesecake is done in a friendly and advisory tone, using "should" to subtly suggest the action without making it sound like an obligation. This gentle nudge allows the speaker to share a personal opinion or experience while leaving room for the listener to decide, maintaining a polite and considerate interaction.Rate this question:
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- 13.
I __________ come to your party. I have to work.
Correct Answer
can't, cannot, Can't, CannotExplanation
The correct answer is "can't, cannot" because both "can't" and "cannot" are contractions of the phrase "cannot," which means "to be unable to do something." In this context, the speaker is expressing their inability to attend the party due to work obligations.Rate this question:
- 14.
I have a headache. __________ you buy some aspirin for me?
Correct Answer
could, canExplanation
The word "could" is used in this sentence to express a polite request or suggestion. The speaker is asking the person to buy some aspirin for them because they have a headache. "Could" is a modal verb that is commonly used to make requests or ask for permission in a polite manner. In this context, it implies that the speaker is asking for a favor and is hoping that the person will agree to help them.Rate this question:
- 15.
She __________ go to the doctor because she is feeling unwell.
Correct Answer
Should , should , will , WillExplanation
In the sentence, "She should go to the doctor because she is feeling unwell," the modal verb "should" correctly fills in the blank.Rate this question:
- 16.
It's 2:20, and he said that he'd be here by 2:30. He __________ be here soon.
Correct Answer
shouldExplanation
"Should" implies a probability or expectation that he will be here soon, based on his stated intention to arrive by 2:30. It suggests that it is likely he will keep his word and arrive within the next 10 minutes.Rate this question:
- 17.
You __________ go into that room. It's forbidden!
Correct Answer
must not, mustn'tExplanation
The correct answer is "must not" because "must not" conveys the exact meaning of prohibition or a strong recommendation not to do something. The phrase indicates that entering the forbidden room is not allowed or advised.Rate this question:
- 18.
You___________ help me if you don't have time. I can do the job myself.
Correct Answer
don't have to, Do not have to, don't need to, needn't, need notExplanation
In this sentence, the speaker is expressing that it is not necessary or obligatory for the other person to help because the speaker can handle the job independently. "Don't have to" and "do not have to" both convey this sense of lack of obligation or necessity, indicating that assistance is not required. The other options, "don't need to" and "needn't," also convey the same meaning of lack of necessity in this context. So, any of these phrases can be used to complete the sentence appropriately.Rate this question:
- 19.
Ray got injured yesterday. He __________ play today.
Correct Answer
can't, cannot , Can't , CannotExplanation
The correct word to complete the sentence is "cannot." This is because the sentence describes a past injury that affects Ray’s current ability to play. Using "cannot" expresses his present inability to play as a result of yesterday's injury. Other modals like "could" or "might" would not work here since they do not indicate an inability in the present.Rate this question:
- 20.
__________ I make some coffee? I'll do it if you'll drink a cup.
Correct Answer
ShallExplanation
The correct answer is "Shall" because it is used to express a suggestion or offer in this context. The speaker is asking if they should make some coffee, and they are willing to do it if the other person agrees to drink a cup.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Jun 04, 2025Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 16, 2009Quiz Created by
Fhinojosac
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