MODAL VERBS (ADVANCED) — EXERCISE 1 (ESL)

level: Advanced (C1/C2)

Advanced modal verbs go beyond basic permission and ability — they express degrees of certainty, logical deduction, and past criticism. This exercise covers the most important of these uses.

Grammar review Advanced modal verbs

Deduction (present): must be, can't be, might be
Deduction (past): must have, can't have + p.p.
Criticism (past): should have, could have + p.p.: You should have told me.

READY TO PRACTICE? LET’S GO!

Complete the second sentence with the correct modal verb so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence.
Choose from the following: must not have, could, should, should have, must have, can, might, shouldn't, shouldn't have, must
EXAMPLE: Surely, Robert has eaten the whole cake. → Robert must have eaten the whole cake.

I was unaware of his ability to sing. → I didn't know that he sing.

It's a good idea for you to tell him. → You tell him.

It wasn't smart of her to do this. → She done this.

Robert is able to help you. → Robert help you.

It's not a good idea for you to see him. → You see him.

They have to finish the work in two hours. → They finish the work in two hours.

Surely, you've known this. → You known this.

There is a possibility that the project will fail. → The project fail.

It would have been better for you to take some time off. → You taken some time off.

10.

Surely, they didn't tell you. → They told you.

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KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
More modal verb exercises:
Mixed modals 1 (B1/B2)
Mixed modals 2 (B1/B2)
Mixed modals 3 (B1/B2)
Modals of speculation 1 (B2/C1)
Past modals 1 (B2/C1)
To or not to? Modals vs. regular verbs 1 (B1/B2)

Browse all grammar exercises →