Exercise: Modal Verbs and Semi-modal Verbs

We recommend a Desktop or Laptop Computer for the best performance.

Chrome We recommend Google Chrome for the best performance.

Exercise: Modal Verbs and Semi-modal Verbs
- Unfinished
- High Beginner
- Modal verbs
- Auxiliary verbs
- Semi-modal verbs
Modal verbs Auxiliary verbs Semi-modal verbs
- Start the Lesson!
  
  Play Sound
What's Inside?

30 exercise questions on modal verbs and semi-modal verbs. Increase your skill by doing the questions.

Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge on Laptop or Desktop is the best for the microphone feature.

You can use only up to 15 minutes of microphone in all other browsers. Detail

Play Sound

Hide Text

Normal Speaking Speed

Slow Speaking Speed

Start the Lesson!

Play Sound

Master These Skills - Modal Verbs And Semi-Modal Verbs

Review various modal verbs and semi-modal verbs.

Review of Modal and Semi-modal Verbs

Modal verbs are words like "must", "should", "can", and "could". They add so much meaning to a sentence.

Semi-modal verbs are "have to" and "ought to". Both of them mean "need to do something" or "must".

Must: This is for need or obligation.

Your teeth hurt. You say, "I must see a dentist." You can also say, "I have to see a dentist." or "I ought to see a dentist."

Can and could: This is for ability. "Could" is the past tense of "can".

A dog can walk on land. A fish cannot walk on land.

An old man could ride a skateboard many years ago, but now, he cannot.

Should: This is for advice or suggestion.

Your friend is hungry. You have a sandwich. He doesn't ask for the sandwich. You tell him, "You should eat my sandwich."

It is raining outside. Your friend needs to go home. She doesn't have a car. You tell her, "You should take my car."

Might: This is for chance (possibility).

There is a man outside. He is looking around. You have a car outside. You are worried. "The man might steal my car."

The sky is dark. There are some dark clouds. "It might rain soon."

May: This is for both chance (possibility) and permission.

The sky is dark. There are lots of dark clouds. "It may rain soon."

You friend sees your delicioius sandwich. He wants to try it. You tell him, "Sure, you may eat my sandwich."

So, both "may" and "might" are for chances.

To make a negative sentence, add "not" after the modal verb.

A person should not steal.

Note, "cannot" is 1 word. "Can not" is wrong.

Review of Forming a Question

Forming a question is easy. You just have to flip the subject and the modal verb.

I should see a dentist.

Should I see a dentist?

To form a question with a question word (What, when, where, how, why, which), just put the question word at the front.

How may I help you?

What can you buy in the store?

You need to choose the right modal verb carefully.

"have to" is for obligation (need to, must). We don't usually form a question with "must". We say, "Do you need to ...?"

Examples: Do I have to go to school? Does a teacher have to give homework on the weekend?

"can" and "could" are for ability (able to).

Examples (can): Can your baby walk? Can a casino ever lose money?

Example (could): How could you be so irresponsible?

"could", "can", and "may" are for permission or request (is it OK to). Questions with "could" or "may" are polite, and questions with "can" are between friends or families.

Examples of "could" and "may": Professor, may I ask a question? Ms. Wilk, could you review my report, please?

Example of "can": Ashley, can I come to your house tonight? Jason! Can you move?

"should" is for suggestion (an advice).

Examples: What should I study today? When should the students go to the gym?

RECORDING

HOLD DOWN AND SPEAK

PRESS

HIT

Push on microphone button, then, press Allow when asked for permission.
×
Enter your answer here, then press "SEND". You can also press on the microphone button to record your answer.

I could not hear you.

Hold down the record button and speak loudly into your microphone.

Your answer: A Suggestion

Let's Practice!

Instruction: Please wait...

Result:

Total:

RECORDING

HOLD DOWN AND SPEAK

PRESS

HIT

Push on microphone button, then, press Allow when asked for permission.
×
Enter your answer here, then press "SEND". You can also press on the microphone button to record your answer.

I could not hear you.

Hold down the record button and speak loudly into your microphone.

Your answer: A Suggestion

Let's Practice!

Instruction: Please wait...

Result:

Total:

RECORDING

HOLD DOWN AND SPEAK

PRESS

HIT

Push on microphone button, then, press Allow when asked for permission.
×
Enter your answer here, then press "SEND". You can also press on the microphone button to record your answer.

I could not hear you.

Hold down the record button and speak loudly into your microphone.

Your answer: A Suggestion

0 %
Pronunciation Helper

×

Pronunciation Helper

Type into the box and click on the button to check pronunciation.

Type a word or a sentence

Speaking speed

Sorry, your browser does not support speech synthesis.
Share
Help

I can't hear the sound.

I can't use the microphone.