MODAL VERBS WITH THE INFINITIVE EXERCISE 1 (ESL)
level: Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)
Modal verbs each carry a specific meaning — ability, obligation, advice, prediction — and choosing the right one depends entirely on what the sentence is trying to express. All modal verbs are followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without to). Exercise 1 of 2.
Grammar review
Modal verbs with the infinitive — core meanings
Modal verbs are followed directly by the base form (infinitive without to). Each modal expresses a specific attitude or degree of certainty about an action.
CAN — ability or possibility: “She can speak three languages.”
CAN’T / CANNOT — impossibility or prohibition: “You can’t park here.”
COULD — past ability or polite possibility: “He could run very fast as a child.”
MUST — strong obligation or logical necessity: “You must wear a seatbelt.”
MUSTN’T — prohibition (stronger than can’t): “You mustn’t touch that.”
SHOULD — advice or recommendation: “You should see a doctor.”
SHOULDN’T — advice against: “You shouldn’t eat so much sugar.”
WILL — future prediction or decision: “I will call you later.”
WOULD — hypothetical or polite request: “Would you help me?”
Key structure note: Modal + base verb (no to, no -s, no -ed)
✗ She cans swim. ✓ She can swim.
Modal verbs are followed directly by the base form (infinitive without to). Each modal expresses a specific attitude or degree of certainty about an action.
CAN — ability or possibility: “She can speak three languages.”
CAN’T / CANNOT — impossibility or prohibition: “You can’t park here.”
COULD — past ability or polite possibility: “He could run very fast as a child.”
MUST — strong obligation or logical necessity: “You must wear a seatbelt.”
MUSTN’T — prohibition (stronger than can’t): “You mustn’t touch that.”
SHOULD — advice or recommendation: “You should see a doctor.”
SHOULDN’T — advice against: “You shouldn’t eat so much sugar.”
WILL — future prediction or decision: “I will call you later.”
WOULD — hypothetical or polite request: “Would you help me?”
Key structure note: Modal + base verb (no to, no -s, no -ed)
✗ She cans swim. ✓ She can swim.
1. I want ________ you tomorrow.
Correct answer: to see — after want, use the infinitive with to — want to see.
2. I can't ________ you tomorrow.
Correct answer: see — after modal verbs like can't, use the base form — can't see.
3. You must ________ hard.
Correct answer: study — after must, use the base form — must study.
4. Heather tried ________, but she was too tired.
Correct answer: to study — after tried, use the infinitive with to — tried to study.
5. I can't ________ you.
Correct answer: hear — after modal can't, use the base form — can't hear.
6. He wants ________ what she is saying.
Correct answer: to hear — after wants, use the infinitive with to — wants to hear.
7. I want ________ a doctor.
Correct answer: to be — after want, use the infinitive with to — want to be.
8. I must ________ sick. I have a fever.
Correct answer: be — after modal must, use the base form — must be.
9. I couldn't ________ to the movies with Fiona.
Correct answer: go — after modal couldn't, use the base form — couldn't go.
10. Alex does not know how ________.
Correct answer: to drive — after how in a question, use the infinitive with to — how to drive.
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER MODAL VERB EXERCISES:
Modals with the infinitive 1 (B)
Modals with the infinitive 2 (B)
Mixed modals 1 (can, should, must) (I)
Mixed modals 2 (can, should, must) (I)
Mixed modals 3 (can, should, must) (I)
Modals of speculation 1 (I)
Past modals 1 (I)
Modals (couldn’t / might not) (I)
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Modals with the infinitive 1 (B)
Modals with the infinitive 2 (B)
Mixed modals 1 (can, should, must) (I)
Mixed modals 2 (can, should, must) (I)
Mixed modals 3 (can, should, must) (I)
Modals of speculation 1 (I)
Past modals 1 (I)
Modals (couldn’t / might not) (I)
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