Modal Verbs Test

Intermediate level English students can test their knowledge of basic modal verbs with the following test. Each section of this test provides hints, examples and other helpful information to use when completing the quiz.

English teachers can print the first page of this modal forms quiz for students learning basic modal verbs of ability, modal verbs of obligation and modal verbs of advisability. There are a total of forty questions asking students to use can / be able to in the present and past tenses. Used to and Would for past habits, Should, Need to, Had Better for advice and Must or Have to and the negative equivalents for modal verbs of obligation. Finally, there is a short section on stating preferences using Would Rather or Refer to

Modal Verbs of Ability

Use the following phrases in a short question / answer dialogue with Be Able To or Can in the present tense.

Example:

play tennis

Can you play tennis? Yes, I can.

1. drink alcohol in your country
2. do mathematics without help
3. understand and learn new vocabulary on your own
4. work in the United States
5. drive a car in your country
6. cook dinner for a group of people
7. play a musical instrument
8. vote and elect your representatives
9. study at a university for free
10. discuss religion or politics openly

Write about five past abilities you had when you were a child

Hint: past of can / be able to

1. I ________________ when I was a child.
2. When I was younger, I ________________
3. I ________________ by the age of nine.
4. I ________________ before I moved away from home.
5. When I ________________, I ________________

Write about three past habits you had in your country

Hint: What did you do when you lived there that you don’t do now?

1. I ________________ when I was a child.
2. When I was younger, I ________________
3. I ________________ by the age of nine.
4. I ________________ before I moved away from home.
5. When I ________________, I ________________

Modal Verbs of Obligation

Fill in the blanks with a correct modal form (have to, need to, must, etc.). In some cases, there may be more than one correct answer.

1. Children _________ play with fire!
2. I love the weekends! I ____________ get up early on Saturdays and Sundays.
3. Oh, look at the time! I _____________ hurry up to catch the train.
4. You don’t look very well. I think you ______ see a doctor.
5. I’m going to give you a ticket for speeding. Remember you _______ drive faster than 55 MPH on this stretch of freeway.
6. When I was a young boy, I ________ play tennis very well. Unfortunately, that was a long time ago.
7. Sometimes I think everyone in the world ______ calm down and give peace a chance.
8. Tim ________ work with people from around the world in his job.
9. What did you _____ do when you were a child that you don’t do now?
10. I’m flying to Chicago tomorrow. Before I go, I ________ finish this report.

Modal Verbs of Advisability

Give your friend five pieces of advice about living in your city or country using the verbs suggested in parentheses. Make sure to use at least two forms of modal verbs of advisability (should, had better, ought to)

1. ________________ when you visit people in my city. (give)
2. When you travel in my country, ________________ (take)
3. ________________ whenever you buy something in my country. (use)
4. ________________ when having conversations with people in my country. (speak about)
5. ________________ if you come to my city. (visit)

Showing Preference

Write five questions or statements using the suggested verbs asking for or stating a preference

Hint: use would rather or prefer

1. What kind of ________________ (wine / drink)
2. I _________________ in my free time. (tennis / play)
3. I wonder if you ___________________ (receive / money or gifts)
4. _________________ ? (go out or stay in / tonight)
5. Which ____________________ (drive / car)