Modal Verbs Quiz Questions And Answers

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • Current Version
  • Sep 30, 2024
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 16, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Fhinojosac
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