Grammar: Modal Verbs for Advanced English

Choose the correct modal verb:

Students ______ {can | must} use the library computers for research assignments if they want to.

Students can use the library computers for research assignments if they want to.

Use can to say that something is possible or allowed.

You can attend the seminar.

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Correct the error:

You should to study every day to improve.

You should study every day to improve.

Use should + base verb for advice, not should to.

You should review your notes regularly.

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Make this sentence negative:

The professor must submit the grades by Friday.

The professor must not submit the grades by Friday.

Use must not to prohibit an action.

You must not share exam answers.

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Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb:

You have to register for classes online.

You must register for classes online.

Use must or have to to say something is absolutely necessary. Must is more formal.

You must complete the assignment on time.

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Choose the correct modal verb:

A university rule states that all students are required to attend orientation:

“All students ______ attend orientation.”

All students must attend orientation.

Use must when something is absolutely necessary. (We sometimes use have to for the same purpose, but it’s less formal, and not appropriate here.)

You must follow lab safety protocols.

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Choose the correct modal verb:

I’m sure I gave you the key. You ______ {must | can’t} have it.

I’m sure I gave you the key. You must have it.

Use must to say that you are sure about something.

You’ve been studying all night. You must be exhausted.

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Correct the error:

She must not attend the workshop. It’s her choice.

She doesn’t have to attend the workshop. It’s her choice.
or
She can attend the workshop. It’s her choice.

Use doesn’t have to or can to say something is optional.

You don’t have to join the study group. You can if you want.
You can call me anytime after 9am.

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Change to a yes/no question:

Researchers may present their findings at the conference.

May researchers present their findings at the conference?

Use may + subject + base verb for formal permission questions.

May I submit my paper early?

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Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb:

You have to arrive early to secure a seat.

You must arrive early to secure a seat.

Both must or have to say something is absolutely necessary. Must is more formal.

You have to contact the office before Wednesday.
You must put your full name on your report.

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Choose the correct modal verb:

It’s up to you, but you ______ {should | must} review feedback from previous assignments before you write your essay.

It’s up to you, but you should review feedback from previous assignments before you write your essay.

Use should to talk about things that are right or good to do, but they are not an obligation.

You should talk to your teacher if you have any concerns.

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Choose the correct modal verb:

Students ______ { should | must} submit a draft before the final essay is due to avoid penalties.

Students must submit a draft before the final essay is due to avoid penalties.

Use must when something is absolutely necessary.

You must be on time for the job interview.

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Make this sentence negative to express no obligation:

You have to complete the survey to graduate.

You don’t have to complete the survey to graduate.

Use don’t have to to show an action is optional, not required. (Note: it doesn’t mean the same as must not!)

You don’t have to attend the seminar. It’s your choice.

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Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb:

Visitors may enter the library with a guest pass.

Visitors can enter the library with a guest pass.

May and can both express permission. Can is less formal, and would be more common in conversation than in written rules.

You can use the lab equipment.

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Choose the correct modal verb:

A professor discusses a student’s eventual ability to conduct experiments:

“Last semester, she ______ {was able to | could} conduct complex experiments.”

Last semester, she was able to conduct complex experiments.

Use was able to to talk about ability after achieving a skill, or to say somebody did something in a specific situation.

He was able to do his presentation in French after a year of language study.
I was able to call my parents every day when I lived overseas.

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Choose the correct modal verb:

A researcher discusses a possible outcome of a study:

“The results ______ indicate a new trend in the data.”

The results could/might indicate a new trend in the data.

Use could or might for possibilities.

The policy could improve attendance.

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Make this sentence negative:

You may use calculators during the exam.

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You may not use calculators during the exam.

Use may not to deny permission.

You may not leave the exam room early.

Correct the error:

He can to finish the project by tomorrow.

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He can finish the project by tomorrow.

Use can + base verb for ability, not can to.

She can complete the assignment quickly.

Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb:

You must attend the safety training.

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You have to attend the safety training.

Must and have to both express obligation. Have to is less formal.

You have to submit your application online.

Choose the correct modal verb:

A professor advises students on improving grades:

“You ______ practice writing essays regularly.”

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You should practice writing essays regularly.

Use should for advice when the action is beneficial but optional.

You should study with a group.

Choose the correct modal verb:

The experiment ______ {must | might} fail if the equipment is not calibrated.

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The experiment might fail if the equipment is not calibrated.

Use might to say that something is possible.

The results might vary.

Change to a yes/no question:

She is able to present her research confidently.

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Is she able to present her research confidently?

Use able to when someone has the ability to do something.

Are you able to analyze the data?

Choose the correct modal verb:

A professor warns about waiting too long to review before the exam:

“You ______ attend the review session, but you ______ wait until the last minute to study.”

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You don’t have to attend the review session, but you shouldn’t wait until the last minute to study.

Use don’t have to for optional actions (no obligation) and shouldn’t to advise against undesirable actions.

You don’t have to use the library computers, but you shouldn’t ignore the assignment guidelines.

Correct the error:

They might to need more time for the project.

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They might need more time for the project.

Use might + base verb for possibility, not might to.

You might need extra resources.

Correct the error:

He should to prepare for the presentation.

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He should prepare for the presentation.

Don’t use “to” with should or other modals.

You should revise your essay.

# Choose the correct modal verb: A university policy allows laptop use in class: "Students \_\_\_\_\_\_ use laptops during lectures."

Students **may** use laptops during lectures. ## Footnote Use **may** for formal permission in academic rules. *You may submit assignments online.*

# Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb: A student tells his classmate: "You **don't have to** attend the meetings."

You **can** attend the meetings. ## Footnote Both **don't have to** and **can** show that something is allowed; you have the choice to do it or not. *You don't have to submit a draft; you can if you want feedback.*

# Correct the error: She **must not to leave** the lab unattended.

She **must not leave** the lab unattended. ## Footnote Use **must not** + base verb to prohibit an action. *You must not use phones during exams.*

# Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb: You can attend the seminar for extra credit.

You **may** attend the seminar for extra credit. ## Footnote **Can** and **may** both express permission, but **may** is more formal. *You may use the library resources.*

# Choose the correct modal verb: She \_\_\_\_\_\_ {was able to | could} finish the report with her roommate's help.

She **was able to** finish the report with her roommate's help. ## Footnote Use **be able to** when you want to say somebody did something in a specific situation, or after achieving a skill. *We were able to get in the building when the janitor arrived.* *He was able to do his presentation in French after a year of language study.*

# Change to a yes/no question: I should review the material before the test.

**Should I** review the material before the test? ## Footnote Use **should** + subject + base verb for advice questions. *Should she study more?*

# Correct the error: They **doesn’t have to complete** the survey.

They **don’t have to complete** the survey. ## Footnote Use **don’t have to** for no obligation with plural subjects. *We don’t have to submit drafts.*

# Paraphrase the sentence with a different modal verb: You must cite all sources in your essay.

You **have to** cite all sources in your essay. ## Footnote **Must** and **have to** both express obligation, but **have to** is less formal. *You have to follow the guidelines.*

# Choose the correct modal verb: A professor discusses a student’s ability to lead a project: "She \_\_\_\_\_\_ lead the research team effectively last semester."

She **was able to** lead the research team effectively last semester. ## Footnote Use **be able to** when you want to say somebody had the ability to do something in a specific situation, or after achieving a skill. *We were able to get in the building when the janitor arrived.* *He was able to do his presentation in French after a year of language study.*

# Choose the correct modal verb: The results \_\_\_\_\_\_ be inconclusive if the sample size is too small.

The results **could** be inconclusive if the sample size is too small. ## Footnote Use **could** for hypothetical possibilities. *The lecture could be canceled.*

# Make this sentence negative: You can borrow books from the library.

You **can't** borrow books from the library. ## Footnote Use **can't or can not** to deny ability or permission. *You cannot access the lab without permission.*

Grammar: Modal Verbs Flashcards

Build a strong understanding of modal verbs, their meanings, and their grammatical patterns. (35 cards)