Modals

Can

– Ability: I can speak English fluently.
– Permission: Can I borrow your pen?
– Possibility: It can be challenging to learn a new language.

Could

– Ability (past tense): When I was young, I could run very fast.
– Past permission: Could you help me with this math problem?
– Hypothetical situations (past): I could have gone to the party, but I chose to stay home.

May

– Possibility: It may rain tomorrow.
– Permission: May I use your phone?
– Uncertainty: He may be late for the meeting.

Might

– Possibility (past): She might come to the party if she finishes her work.
– Uncertainty (past): I thought he might have forgotten my birthday.

Must

– Obligation: You must wear a seatbelt while driving.
– Necessity: I must finish my homework before going out.
– Strong recommendation: This book must be read by everyone.

Should

– Advice: You should eat a balanced diet.
– Recommendation: She should study harder for the exam.
– Expectation: The government should invest more in renewable energy.

Would

– Willingness: I would like a cup of coffee, please.
– Preference: Would you mind closing the window?
– Hypothetical situations: If I had more time, I would travel the world.

Will

– Future actions: I will meet you at the library tomorrow.
– Predictions: It will rain later in the day.
– Willingness: I will help you with your presentation.

Understanding the different uses and meanings of modal verbs is crucial for achieving a higher score in the TOEFL exam. Practice their usage in various contexts to become more comfortable with using them accurately and appropriately.

Modals, also known as modal verbs or modal auxiliaries, are a category of auxiliary verbs in English that are used to express various meanings and functions. They are commonly tested in the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) exam, as they play a significant role in expressing attitudes, abilities, obligations, possibilities, and more. Here are some important modal verbs that TOEFL students should be familiar with:

1- Can: Can is used to express ability, possibility, or permission.

– I can speak English fluently.
– Can I borrow your pen?
– It can be challenging to learn a new language.

2- Could: Could is the past tense form of “can” and is used to express ability, possibility, or past permission.

– When I was young, I could run very fast.
– Could you help me with this math problem?
– I could have gone to the party, but I chose to stay home.

3- May: May is used to express possibility, permission, or uncertainty.

– It may rain tomorrow.
– May I use your phone?
– He may be late for the meeting.

4- Might: Might is the past tense form of “may” and is used to express possibility or uncertainty.

– She might come to the party if she finishes her work.
– I thought he might have forgotten my birthday.

5- Must: Must is used to express obligation, necessity, or a strong recommendation.

– You must wear a seatbelt while driving.
– I must finish my homework before going out.
– This book must be read by everyone.

6- Should: Should is used to express advice, recommendation, or expectation.

– You should eat a balanced diet.
– She should study harder for the exam.
– The government should invest more in renewable energy.

7- Would: Would is used to express willingness, preference, or a hypothetical situation.

– I would like a cup of coffee, please.
– Would you mind closing the window?
– If I had more time, I would travel the world.

8- Will: Will is used to express future actions, predictions, or willingness.

– I will meet you at the library tomorrow.
– It will rain later in the day.
– I will help you with your presentation.

Thomas wants to travel to Europe next summer. He … his money.

a) should save
b) shouldn’t save
c) should saves

Answer : a) should save

(A) … my books? (B) Over there, on the desk.

a) Where should I put
b) Where I put
c) Should where I put

Answer : a) Where should I put

(A) Should he go to school today? (B) Yes, he ….

a) should goes
b) should go
c) is should go

Answer : b) should go

You … the truth because telling a lie can bring you a lot of trouble.

a) should tell
b) shouldn’t tell
c) should to tell

Answer : a) should tell

(A) Should I fix the sink? (B) No, you … the sink.

a) shouldn’t fix
b) shouldn’t fixing
c) shouldn’t to fix

Answer : a) shouldn’t fix

I want to become rich and famous.…?

a) What I should do
b) How I should do
c) What should I do

Answer : c) What should I do

Oh, no! I have a really big problem. What ….?

a) should I do
b) I should do
c) I should to do

Answer : a) should I do

 … always look both ways before you cross a street.

a) You are should
b) You should
c) You should to

Answer : b) You should

When you have a cold, you … lots of water and get lots of rest.

a) are should drink
b) should drinking
c) should drink

Answer : c) should drink

I think … a doctor. You look very sick.

a) should see
b) should you see
c) you should see

Answer : c) you should see

(A) … meet you at the store? (B) At six o’clock.

a) Should when I
b) When should I
c) I should when

Answer : b) When should I

(A) … I eat that candy? (B) No, you ….

a) Should / should
b) Shouldn’t / don’t
c) Should / shouldn’t

Answer : c) Should / shouldn’t

That road is very dangerous. They … there at night.

a) shouldn’t drive
b) should driving
c) shouldn’t driving

Answer : a) shouldn’t drive

You … very much noise. The baby is asleep.

a) should make
b) shouldn’t make
c) shouldn’t making

Answer : b) shouldn’t make

I want to improve my English. What …?

a) should do
b) should I do
c) I should do

Answer : b) should I do

Excuse me. Who … to about my school grades?

a) should I talk
b) I should talk
c) should I talking

Answer : a) should I talk

1. You __ very proud of your son winning so many prizes.

A) must be

B) can’t be

2. We thought our cousins would visit us when they were in town last week, but they didn’t even call. I suppose they __ too busy.

A) must be

B) must have been

3. The film has been such a big success I guess it __ easy to get tickets to see it.

A) must be

B) can’t be

4. I’m sure you could mend this if you really tried. You __ using the right tools.

A) must be

B) can’t be

5. I’ve just called the garage to check whether they’ve fixed my car, but I can’t get an answer. I suppose they __ a tea-break out in the yard.

A) may have

B) may be having

6. I don’t know why you wanted to stay at that party. You __ talking to all those boring people.

A) might have enjoyed

B) can’t have enjoyed

7. I can’t go out this morning. We’re getting a new sofa and the store __ it today.

A) may be delivering

B) must be delivering

8. You’ll have to check these figures again. They’re not accurate. You __ when you added them up.

A) might have been concentrating

B) can’t have been concentrating

9. You __ thirsty after carrying those heavy boxes. Shall I make some tea?

A) must be

B) must have been

She ———- pass the driving test.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : b) has to

I ——— tidy up my room.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : a) have to

She ———- feed her dog in the morning.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : b) has to

I ——— do my housework at the weekend.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : a) have to

Bob and Tom ——— finish their essays.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : a) have to

She ——— write with a ball pen.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : b) has to

You ———- take a shower in the evening.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : a) have to

Chris ——— help his father in the garden.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : b) has to

You ———- do your homework.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : a) have to

She ———- read the English magazine.

a) have to
b) has to

Answer : b) has to

You ———- shout at the children. It frightens them.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : f) shouldn’t

You shouldn’t shout at the children. It frightens them.

I’m sorry but you ———- bring your dog in here. It’s forbidden.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : b) can’t

I’m sorry but you can’t bring your dog in here. It’s forbidden.

You ———-have a visa before travelling to the USA. It’s the law.a) can

b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : d) have to

You have to have a visa before travelling to the USA. It’s the law.

You ———- stay in the library till eight o’clock. It’s open all evening.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : a) can

You can stay in the library till eight o’clock. It’s open all evening.

I think you ———- think carefully before you sell the house.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : e) should

I think you should think carefully before you sell the house.

You ———- buy a new alarm clock. This one is broken.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : e) should

You should buy a new alarm clock. This one is broken.

You ———- wear a uniform at my new school.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : c) don’t have to

You don’t have to wear a uniform at my new school.

You ———- leave your bag open on the bus.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : f) shouldn’t

You shouldn’t leave your bag open on the bus.

We ———- go now or we’ll be late.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : d) have to

We have to go now or we’ll be late.

She ———- dance very well but she can’t sing.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : a) can

She can dance very well but she can’t sing.

You ———- be at the airport by five o’clock.

a) can
b) can’t
c) don’t have to
d) have to
e) should
f) shouldn’t

Answer : d) have to

You have to be at the airport by five o’clock.

You ——— the meeting this week if you are too busy. There is going to be another one next week and you ——— to that one.

a) might not attend/would go
b) needn’t attend/can go
c) can’t attend/have gone
d) won’t have attended/go
e) didn’t attend/used to go

Answer : b) needn’t attend/can go

You look as if you are having trouble with your homework. ——— you like me to help you with it?

a) Could
b) Did
c) May
d) Would
e) Shall

Answer : d) Would

I thought that I had my keys with me, but I can’t find them in my coat. I ——— them in my other coat.a) am supposed to leave

b) am able to leave
c) would rather have left
d) must have left
e) could leave

Answer : d) must have left

I’ve heard that Mr Benner is the toughest teacher for this course. You ——— to get another teacher, or you can’t get a good marka) had better try

b) must have tried
c) have tried
d) would try
e) might have tried

Answer : a) had better try

You ——— to bed early the night before an exam. A good night’s sleep will do you more good than studying all night and then falling asleep in the exam.

a) will have gone
b) may go
c) ought to go
d) would go
e) would rather

Answer : c) ought to go

Would you mind ——— your music so loudly? I’m trying to study.

a) not play
b) not playing
c) didn’t play
d) ot to play
e) haven’t played

Answer : b) not playing

The former president never ——— to the press, but this one is much more accessible.

a) could have talked
b) should be talking
c) must have talked
d) has to talk
e) used to talk

Answer : e) used to talk

Hurray! We ——— to school today because it is snowing so hard.

a) haven’t been going
b) shouldn’t have gone
c) must not have gone
d) don’t have to go
e) may not have gone

Answer : d) don’t have to go

Wilber ——— smoking and eating meat after his heart attack, but he didn’t and now he has had a second one.

a) should have stopped
b) must have stopped
c) was able to stop
d) will have stopped
e) used to stop

Answer : a) should have stopped

According to the weather report, it ——— . tomorrow, and if it does, we ——— . the hike I’ve been looking forward to.

a) ought to rain/cancelled
b) must rain/were able to cancel
c) may rain/will have to cancel
d) would be raining/had to cancel
e) has been raining/must cancel

Answer : c) may rain/will have to cancel

I know you have a lot of work to do, but it is your own fault; you ——— everything until the last minute.

a) can’t have left
b) might not leave
c) must not have left
d) shouldn’t have left
e) haven’t been leaving

Answer : d) shouldn’t have left

I’d really rather ——— in Hawaii at the moment than stuck behind this desk all day.

a) I am surfing
b) to be surfing
c) to surf h
d) ave surfed
e) be surfing

Answer : e) be surfing

You ——— your plane ticket so far in advance because flights to Birmingham are never full.

a) can’t buy
b) needn’t have bought
c) didn’t use to buy
d) haven’t bought
e) couldn’t have bought

Answer : b) needn’t have bought

In Iran and Saudi Arabia, all women ——— their heads outside of the house, but in most Muslim countries it is optional.

a) have to cover
b) must have covered
c) could be covering
d) might cover
e) used to cover

Answer : a) have to cover

I ——— a stockbroker if I had wanted to, but I thought life as a bass guitarist in a heavy metal band would be far more interesting.

a) was able to become
b) may have become
c) had become
d) could have become
e) used to become

Answer : d) could have become

You ——— more carefully. Now the insurance company won’t pay you anything because the accident was your fault.

a) must have been driving
b) should be driving
c) had been driving
d) ought to have been driving
e) have been driving

Answer : d) ought to have been driving

I’d rather you ——— out tonight because, according to the news, there could be trouble downtown.

a) haven’t gone
b) not to go
c) didn’t go
d) won’t go
e) not going

Answer : c) didn’t go

A friend of mine told me that I ——— India in the summer, because that is the monsoon season, when it is both too hot and too wet.

a) didn’t use to visit
b) needn’t visit
c) haven’t visited
d) might not visit
e) shouldn’t visit

Answer : e) shouldn’t visit

Hawaii is such an expensive place to live and the wages are so low that you ——— very hard just to get by.

a) are able to work
b) have to work
c) have worked
d) must have worked
e) used to work

Answer : b) have to work

We had better hurry if we want to get back to the hotel before the curfew. No one ——— out after dark, except for the patrol forces, you know.

a) could have been
b) is supposed to be
c) has been
d) has to be
e) should have been

Answer : b) is supposed to be

Mike couldn’t attend university because he ——— his family when his father died.

a) had to support
b) must have supported
c) could be supporting
d) has been supporting
e) will have supported

Answer : a) had to support

Petroleum deposits can occur almost anywhere — they ——— under deserts, under fertile land, or even under the sea.

a) ought to be
b) may be
c) must be
d) were
e) should have been

Answer : b) may be

Using the latest and most expensive technology, including nuclear batteries, space scientists ——— to the furthest reaches of our solar system now.

a) were probing
b) may have probed
c) used to probe
d) are able to probe
e) must have probed

Answer : d) are able to probe

Now remember, when you are in the race, you ——— to run too fast in the first few laps because you will need plenty of energy for the final sprint

a) haven’t tried
b) shouldn’t have tried
c) mustn’t try
d) might not try
e) didn’t use to try

Answer : c) mustn’t try

There are some sounds that are out of the range of the human ear but which dogs ———.

a) ought to hear
b) have heard
c) can hear
d) have to hear
e) used to hear

Answer : c) can hear

My sister ——— .. a German teacher because her German was fluent, but she decided to become an accountant instead

a) has become
b) had to become
c) will become
d) could have become
e) must have become

Answer : d) could have become

You ——— me at work. The boss was really angry because he had warned me before about personal calls.

a) must not have phoned
b) shouldn’t have phoned
c) didn’t phone
d) didn’t use to phone
e) can’t have phoned

Answer : b) shouldn’t have phoned

Sally ——— Italian like a native, but since she moved to Indiana, she has forgotten most of it.

a) used to speak
b) had spoken
c) was supposed to speak
d) has been speaking
e) must have spoken

Answer : a) used to speak

While there seem to be plenty of unexploited petroleum reserves, some experts worry that there ——— .. enough to carry us through the next century.

a) may not be
b) haven’t been
c) didn’t use to be
d) don’t have to be
e) had better not be

Answer : a) may not be

Today no one can imagine what a battle at sea was like in the days of sail. It ——— both an impressive and a frightening sight.

a) might be
b) could be
c) ought to be
d) has been
e) must have been

Answer : e) must have been

When we went to Japan, we ——— anything for ourselves because our Japanese hosts took care of everything.

a) must not have done
b) needn’t have done
c) didn’t need to do
d) couldn’t have done
e) ought not to do

Answer : c) didn’t need to do

A: I hear a noise coming from the kitchen.
B: My greedy brother ——— for something to eat.

a) must be looking
b) should have looked
c) used to look ought
d) to be looking
e) has looked

Answer : a) must be looking

A: Did you know that classes were cancelled yesterday because the heating in the building failed? B: No, but I ——— . anyway because I was in bed all day with flu.

a) didn’t use to attend
b) won’t be attending
c) must not have attended
d) haven’t attended
e) couldn’t have attended

Answer : e) couldn’t have attended

I know I ——— for a job, but there are so few jobs for a person of my abilities that it is discouraging.

a) had been looking
b) ought to look
c) must have looked
d) was able to look
e) used to look

Answer : b) ought to look

I ——— the same computer program when I worked at a bank, so it ——— easy for me to adjust to this new job.

a) should be using/could be
b) used to use/should be
c) need to use/would be
d) must have used/must be
e) might have used/can be

Answer : b) used to use/should be

He ——— .. as carefully as he claimed he was. Why did he bump into the lamp post then?

a) doesn’t have to drive
b) isn’t supposed to drive
c) won’t have been driving
d) shouldn’t have driven
e) can’t have been driving

Answer : e) can’t have been driving

Would you mind if I ——— early this afternoon? I have a dentist appointment at 4:30.

a) to leave
b) had left
c) leaving
d) left
e) have left

Answer : d) left

I’m so glad that I ——— . to the meeting place on time yesterday despite the heavy traffic, or the boss would have been really annoyed.

a) was able to get
b) have got
c) used to get
d) hould have got
e) had to get

Answer : a) was able to get

Sean ——— married three months ago and since then he ——— out drinking with his old friends.

a) had got/ought not to go
b) used to get/couldn’t have gone
c) got/hasn’t been able to go
d) has got/shouldn’t be going
e) was getting/didn’t have to go

Answer : c) got/hasn’t been able to go

These days, he ——— to stop smoking and playing cards as well because his wife is so strict with him, so his life will have changed completely soon.

a) used to try
b) is trying
c) tried
d) had to try
e) could have tried

Answer : b) is trying

It is hardly surprising that sometimes he gets depressed and wonders if he really ——— married.

a) could have got
b) must have got
c) used to get
d) had better get
e) ought to have got

Answer : e) ought to have got

Though Sally ——— how to swim, when she met a young man who was a professional diver, she learned quickly.

a) hasn’t known
b) might not know
c) can’t know
d) wouldn’t know
e) didn’t know

Answer : e) didn’t know

Our father never earned much money, but he ——— something nice for us whenever he ———.

a) should buy/did
b) had to buy/does
c) would buy/could
d) must have bought/can
e) would rather buy/has

Answer : c) would buy/could

Where have you been? You ——— here at 2 o’clock, and it’s almost 3.

a) must have been
b) were supposed to be
c) were able to be
d) are going to be
e) have been

Answer : b) were supposed to be

I told my flatmate to buy some bread, but he ——— because there isn’t any here.

a) must have forgotten
b) ought to be forgetting
c) could forget
d) should have forgotten
e) was able to forget

Answer : a) must have forgotten

Sue has only been in Egypt for a year and she already speaks Arabic fluently. She ——— it that quickly. I’m sure she had started studying it before she left England

a) shouldn’t have learned
b) won’t have learned
c) can’t have learned
d) didn’t use to learn
e) isn’t supposed to learn

Answer : c) can’t have learned

Do you think Jeff ——— . to join us on our hike? Does he like this sort of activity?

a) would rather
b) was able
c) has been able
d) had better
e) would like

Answer : e) would like

Sam is such a good swimmer that he ——— the Olympic record for the 100 metre race, but unfortunately, he didn’t compete because of a pulled shoulder muscle.

a) is going to break
b) must have broken
c) could have broken
d) is supposed to break
e) had to break

Answer : c) could have broken

I wonder what the problem was in the restaurant last night. Three members of staff ——— tables, but there was only one. I must speak to the restaurant manager.

a) could be clearing
b) ought to be clearing
c) should have been clearing
d) must have been clearing
e) were clearing

Answer : c) should have been clearing

Hey, watch where you are going! You ——– me!

a) could have killed
b) should have killed
c) have killed
d) will have killed
e) used to kill

Answer : a) could have killed