English Grammar Quiz: Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

• Can: used to express ability or possibility (e.g., I can speak four languages, You can come to the prom with me, Leonard can easily solve the problem)
• May: used to express permission or possibility (e.g., May I use your mobile to call my mother?, Madam may you repeat what you said?, You may borrow this pen from me)
• Must: used to express necessity or obligation (e.g., You must not speak loudly in the hospital, Sheldon must study more if he wants to pass the test, You must follow the traffic rules)
• Could: used to express ability or possibility in the past or to make a polite request (e.g., I could use a little help in packing all these clothes, Could you show me the road to the market?)
• Might: used to express possibility or uncertainty (e.g., I might not be able to make it tonight, It might rain tomorrow, Raj might fail his exam)
• Should: used to express advisability or obligation (e.g., You should be punctual, One should repay all their debts, It should be difficult to live amidst war)
• Ought to: used to express advisability or moral obligation (e.g., Sheldon ought to study more if he wants to pass the test, We ought to take care of our parents, You ought to be punctual)
• Shall: used to express future action or intention (e.g., My parents shall arrive soon, I shall arrange the flowers for the bouquet, According to the weather forecast, it shall snow heavily tomorrow)