The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
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. This quiz presents an opportunity to showcase your command of modal verbs. 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. Whether you're a student aiming to solidify your grammar foundation or someone eager to Read morerefine your language skills, this quiz is a valuable resource. Step up to the challenge and put your knowledge of modal verbs to the test. Best of luck, and may you excel in this linguistic endeavor!
Questions and Answers
1.
Which of the following sentences correctly uses a modal verb?
A.
She can speak three languages fluently.
B.
They walks to school every day.
C.
I going to the store tomorrow.
D.
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:
2.
While you are driving, you ___ listen to the radio. It's not necessary.
A.
Doesn't have to
B.
Must
C.
Don't have to
D.
Must not
Correct Answer
C. Don't have to
Explanation 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:
3.
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!
A.
Should
B.
Don't have to has to
C.
Must not
D.
Don't have to
Correct Answer
A. Should
Explanation The word "should" is used to give advice or suggest that something is a good idea. In this context, it means it is advisable to get a full tank of gas before taking a long trip to avoid the risk of running out of gas while on the road.
Rate this question:
4.
When you are putting gasoline in your gas tank, you ___ smoke! It is forbidden.
A.
Must not
B.
Must
C.
Have to
D.
Don't have to
Correct Answer
A. Must not
Explanation 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:
5.
It's not a good idea to talk on a cell phone and drive at the same time. Drivers ___ do that.
A.
Should
B.
Shouldn't
C.
Have to
D.
Must
Correct Answer
B. Shouldn't
Explanation Talking on a cell phone while driving is considered a dangerous activity as it can distract the driver and increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, it is not recommended for drivers to engage in this behavior. The word "shouldn't" implies that it is advisable for drivers to refrain from talking on a cell phone while driving.
Rate this question:
6.
In some states, it is illegal to talk on a cell phone in your car. Those drivers ___ use phones in their cars.
A.
Don't have to
B.
Should
C.
Must not
D.
Must
Correct Answer
C. Must not
Explanation 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:
7.
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 not
Explanation 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:
8.
She __________ go to the doctor because she is feeling unwell.
Correct Answer Should , should , will , Will
Explanation 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:
9.
You __________ go into that room. It's forbidden!
Correct Answer must not, mustn't
Explanation 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:
10.
It's 2:20, and he said that he'd be here by 2:30. He __________ be here soon.
Correct Answer should
Explanation "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:
11.
I have a headache. __________ you buy some aspirin for me?
Correct Answer could, can
Explanation 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:
12.
Ray got injured yesterday. He __________ play today.
Correct Answer can't, cannot , Can't , Cannot
Explanation 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:
13.
I __________ come to your party. I have to work.
Correct Answer can't, cannot
Explanation 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 make some coffee? I'll do it if you'll drink a cup.
Correct Answer Shall
Explanation 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:
15.
You _______ report the incident to the authorities immediately.
A.
Can
B.
Might
C.
Must
D.
Could
Correct Answer
C. Must
Explanation "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:
16.
He _______ swim across the lake when he was younger.
A.
Can
B.
Could
C.
Shall
D.
Must
Correct Answer
B. Could
Explanation "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:
17.
You _______ try the cheesecake; it’s excellent here.
A.
Will
B.
Must
C.
Should
D.
Would
Correct Answer
C. Should
Explanation 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:
18.
It _______ rain later this evening according to the weather forecast.
A.
Might
B.
Can
C.
Must
D.
Shall
Correct Answer
A. Might
Explanation "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:
Quiz Review Timeline +
Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.