MIXED MODALS EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
✓ Useful for TOEIC
✓ Useful for IELTS
Modal verbs are short but carry a lot of meaning — the difference between can, should, and must can change the tone of a sentence completely. This exercise focuses on the three most common modals at B1/B2 level and the contexts where each one is natural.
Grammar review
Modal verbs — ability, advice, and obligation
The three modals in this exercise each express a different type of attitude towards an action, ranging from what is possible to what is required. Getting them right is largely about understanding the strength of necessity or possibility being expressed.
Three levels of strength:
• The weakest expresses ability or possibility — what someone is able or permitted to do.
• The middle level expresses advice or recommendation — the right course of action, without forcing it.
• The strongest expresses obligation or logical necessity — something required or almost certainly true.
Negative forms change the meaning significantly: The negative of the “ability” modal signals that something is not allowed or impossible. The negative of the “obligation” modal signals prohibition — not just lack of necessity.
For each sentence, ask yourself: is this about what someone is able to do, what they should do, or what they must/must not do? That question will usually point you to the right answer.
The three modals in this exercise each express a different type of attitude towards an action, ranging from what is possible to what is required. Getting them right is largely about understanding the strength of necessity or possibility being expressed.
Three levels of strength:
• The weakest expresses ability or possibility — what someone is able or permitted to do.
• The middle level expresses advice or recommendation — the right course of action, without forcing it.
• The strongest expresses obligation or logical necessity — something required or almost certainly true.
Negative forms change the meaning significantly: The negative of the “ability” modal signals that something is not allowed or impossible. The negative of the “obligation” modal signals prohibition — not just lack of necessity.
For each sentence, ask yourself: is this about what someone is able to do, what they should do, or what they must/must not do? That question will usually point you to the right answer.
Choose the more natural-sounding modal to complete each sentence.
1. She looks pretty sick. I think she ________ go to a doctor.
Correct answer: should
2. You've been driving all day. You ________ be exhausted!
Correct answer: must
3. You ________ smoke so much. It's bad for your health.
Correct answer: shouldn't
4. Hey I'm lost. ________ you help me?
Correct answer: Can
5. You have such a beautiful voice. You ________ sing for us!
Correct answer: should
6. I know he speaks five languages, but ________ he speak Arabic?
Correct answer: can
7. That looks very expensive. It ________ cost a fortune!
Correct answer: must
8. I ________ believe that you failed your test!
Correct answer: can't
9. I'm on my way. I ________ be there in about 10 minutes.
Correct answer: should
10. I ________ afford that.
Correct answer: can't
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
Modal verbs express ability, possibility, obligation, and more — these exercises cover the full range of uses.
More modal verb exercises:
Mixed modals 2 (B1/B2)
Mixed modals 3 (B1/B2)
Modals of speculation 1 (B1/B2)
Might not or could not? 1 (B1/B2)
Might not or could not? 2 (B1/B2)
Past modals 1 (B2)
Modals + infinitive 1 (B1/B2)
Modals + infinitive 2 (B1/B2)
Related auxiliary verb exercises:
Auxiliary verbs 1 (A2/B1)
Auxiliary verbs 2 (A2/B1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Modal verbs express ability, possibility, obligation, and more — these exercises cover the full range of uses.
More modal verb exercises:
Mixed modals 2 (B1/B2)
Mixed modals 3 (B1/B2)
Modals of speculation 1 (B1/B2)
Might not or could not? 1 (B1/B2)
Might not or could not? 2 (B1/B2)
Past modals 1 (B2)
Modals + infinitive 1 (B1/B2)
Modals + infinitive 2 (B1/B2)
Related auxiliary verb exercises:
Auxiliary verbs 1 (A2/B1)
Auxiliary verbs 2 (A2/B1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Did you know?
Unlike most English proficiency tests, the Cambridge English Qualifications include a dedicated grammar section called “Use of English.” This appears in the FCE (B2 First), CAE (C1 Advanced), and CPE (C2 Proficiency) exams and tests grammar and vocabulary directly through tasks such as multiple-choice cloze, open cloze, word formation, and sentence transformations. If you’re preparing for a Cambridge exam, targeted grammar practice — including modal verbs — is essential.
