Cambridge Primary 5 English: Modal Verbs This lesson quiz helps learners use modal verbs to express possibility, obligation, permission and advice.
Which word is a modal verb?
A
must
B
running
C
quickly
D
table
Explanation
Must is a modal verb.
Which modal shows obligation?
A
must
B
might
C
could
D
may
Explanation
Must shows something is necessary.
Which modal shows possibility?
A
might
B
must always
C
is
D
was
Explanation
Might shows possibility.
Which modal asks for permission?
A
May I leave?
B
I run fast.
C
She was late.
D
They laughed.
Explanation
May is used to ask permission.
Choose the best modal: You __ wear a seatbelt.
A
must
B
might
C
could
D
may
Explanation
A seatbelt is necessary.
Choose the best modal: It __ rain later.
A
might
B
must not always
C
is
D
was
Explanation
Might shows a possibility.
Choose the best modal: You __ try reading the question again.
A
should
B
was
C
has
D
does
Explanation
Should gives advice.
Choose the best modal: __ I borrow your ruler?
A
May
B
Was
C
Did
D
Am
Explanation
May asks permission.
Which sentence uses a modal correctly?
A
She can swim well.
B
She cans swim well.
C
She can swimming well.
D
She can swam well.
Explanation
A modal is followed by the base verb.
Which sentence is incorrect?
A
He might come later.
B
He should listen carefully.
C
He must to finish now.
D
He could help us.
Explanation
Do not use to after must before the main verb.
What does "could" show in "I could help after school"?
A
possibility or ability
B
past perfect
C
a noun
D
a place
Explanation
Could can show possibility or ability.
What does "must not" show?
A
prohibition
B
permission
C
choice
D
past time
Explanation
Must not tells someone not to do something.
Which modal is strongest?
A
must
B
might
C
could
D
may
Explanation
Must expresses strong obligation.
Which modal is weakest or least certain?
A
might
B
must
C
will definitely
D
has to
Explanation
Might is uncertain.
Complete: Pupils __ speak quietly in the library.
A
should
B
were
C
is
D
doing
Explanation
Should gives advice or expectation.
Complete: You __ enter without a ticket.
A
must not
B
might
C
could
D
should maybe
Explanation
Must not shows prohibition.
Which sentence shows ability?
A
I can solve the puzzle.
B
I must solve the puzzle.
C
I may solve the puzzle.
D
I should solve the puzzle.
Explanation
Can often shows ability.
Which sentence shows advice?
A
You should check your spelling.
B
You must be over 18.
C
You might see stars.
D
May I sit here?
Explanation
Should gives advice.
Which sentence shows certainty?
A
She will arrive at noon.
B
She might arrive at noon.
C
She could arrive at noon.
D
She may arrive at noon.
Explanation
Will is more certain than might, could or may.
Which modal best fits a polite request?
A
Could you help me?
B
Must you help me?
C
Was you help me?
D
Helped you me?
Explanation
Could can make a polite request.