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Modal Verbs Quiz

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Questions and Answers

Which modal verb indicates a sense of obligation or necessity?

Might

Will

Can

Should (correct)

Which modal verb is typically used to express a high level of certainty about a future action?

Could

Will (correct)

Might

May

What does the modal verb 'may' typically express in a sentence?

Permission (correct)

Ability

Expectation

Obligation

In which context would you most likely use the modal verb 'can'?

To indicate ability Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of modal verbs in relation to the speaker's attitude?

To denote varying shades of meaning Signup and view all the answers

Modals are followed by the base form of the verb if there is no other auxiliary ______.

verb Signup and view all the answers

If one of the auxiliary verbs have be follows the modals: the main verb will take the appropriate present or past ____ form.

participle Signup and view all the answers

Modals do not ______.

inflect Signup and view all the answers

You must not stay ______.

out Signup and view all the answers

Questions are formed by putting the modal in front of the ______.

subject Signup and view all the answers

Negative questions: the modal comes in front of the subject and 'not' follows the ______.

subject Signup and view all the answers

Modals do not have a to ______.

infinitive Signup and view all the answers

He ought not to have said ______.

that Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Modal verbs include: Can, Could, May, Might, Will, Would, Shall, Should, Must, Ought to.
These verbs express various shades of meaning and help convey different levels of certainty, intent, and politeness.

Main Uses of Modals

Indicate Information: Show the speaker's confidence in the truth of their statements.
Express Intentions: Reflect attitudes toward actions one plans to take or avoid.
Address People: Create a specific effect in communication; choice of modal affects formality.

Examples of Usage

"I will help you.": Indicates strong intention.
"I might help you.": Suggests a less certain intention.
"I can help you.": Indicates ability to help.
"I must help you.": Implies obligation.
"I should help you.": Suggests a recommendation or moral duty.

Formal vs. Informal Requests

Use "May I borrow your pen, please?": Appropriate for formal situations, such as addressing a professor.
Use "Can I borrow your pen, please?": Suitable for informal settings, like speaking with friends.

Special Features of Modals

Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb if no auxiliary verbs are present. Examples include "I must leave now" and "You can go at 7 p.m."
When an auxiliary verb ("be") follows modals, the main verb takes the appropriate participle form. For instance, "I should have visited" (have + past participle) and "I should be visiting" (be + present participle).
Modals do not inflect and retain a single base form. For example, the verb "can" does not change to "cans," "caned," or "caning."
Modals lack the "to" infinitive form. For example, "I must visit my grandparents today" does not use "to visit."
Negatives are formed by inserting "not" directly after the modal. For example, "You must not stay out" and "He ought not to have said that."
Questions are structured by placing the modal before the subject. Examples include "Could you pass me the salt, please?" and "Will you be able to help me?"
Negative questions place the modal in front of the subject, with "not" following the subject. An example is "Will he not be calling us this week?"
When using contracted negative forms of modals, these forms (like "can't," "won't," and "shan't") precede the subject. For instance, "Won't he visit his grandma?"

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Description

Test your knowledge of modal verbs and their uses in English. This quiz covers can, could, may, might, will, would, and other modals, exploring their implications in communication. Assess your understanding of how these verbs convey certainty, intent, and politeness.