Modals Quiz
Questions: 16 · 10 minutes
1. A laboratory sign strictly prohibits entry. Which sentence communicates that meaning?
Visitors mustn’t enter the laboratory.
Visitors don’t have to enter the laboratory.
Visitors couldn’t enter the laboratory.
Visitors might not enter the laboratory.
2. Last Friday, a manager gave the team permission to leave early. Which sentence reports that permission most naturally?
The manager said we had to leave early that day.
The manager said we could leave early that day.
The manager said we should leave early that day.
The manager said we must leave early that day.
3. Which option correctly completes this sentence of advice: “You ___ apologize for the misunderstanding”?
should to
ought to
ought
must to
4. After sending an email, you discover that you forgot the attachment. Which sentence best expresses regret about the past?
I must check the email.
I could check the email.
I may be checking the email.
I should have checked the email.
5. An alarm forced all employees to leave the building yesterday. Which form correctly completes the sentence: “The employees ___ leave immediately”?
musted
had to
have to
should have
6. A lecture is optional because a recording will be available and attendance is not required. Which sentence is correct?
You mustn’t attend the lecture.
You shouldn’t attend the lecture.
You don’t have to attend the lecture.
You can’t attend the lecture.
7. Which modal correctly describes a general ability Leo possessed in the past: “By the age of seven, Leo ___ read full-length books”?
can
may
should
could
8. Nora’s coat and bag are gone, and her office is locked. Which sentence expresses the strongest reasonable deduction?
Nora should leave.
Nora can leave.
Nora must have left.
Nora must be leaving tomorrow.
9. Your train is expected to arrive with enough time for a transfer. Which completion expresses a reasonable expectation of ability: “If the train arrives on time, we ___ make the connection”?
must have
could have
should be able to
had to
10. You want a colleague to close a window without sounding too direct. Which sentence is the most appropriate request?
Could you close the window, please?
You must close the window.
You may close the window.
You might close the window.
11. Which form correctly follows the modal verb in this sentence: “She can ___ French fluently”?
speaks
speak
to speak
speaking
12. What function does “may” perform in the question “May I borrow your dictionary?”
Describing physical ability
Expressing firm obligation
Requesting permission
Describing a past habit
13. The forecast says rain is possible later, but it is uncertain. Which completion best matches that meaning: “It ___ later”?
might rain
has to rain
should have rained
must rain
14. Which sentence uses the standard construction for future ability?
With more practice, I will be able to solve these problems.
With more practice, I will could solve these problems.
With more practice, I can able to solve these problems.
With more practice, I will can solve these problems.
15. Dana is currently abroad, so the person waiting at the door logically ___ Dana.
must be
should be
ought to be
can’t be
16. A workplace rule requires every visitor to show identification. Which modal most directly completes the rule: “Visitors ___ show identification at reception”?
can
should
might
must