MODAL VERBS WITH THE INFINITIVE EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
level: Beginner/Intermediate (A2/B1)
A second set of modal verb sentences. This exercise focuses on the trickier distinctions — including must vs have to, should vs ought to, may vs might, and the critical difference between needn’t and mustn’t. The grammar review below explains each pair.
Grammar review
Modal verbs — commonly confused pairs
Several modal verbs have near-equivalents that are easy to confuse. This exercise includes several of these tricky pairs.
MUST vs HAVE TO:
Both express obligation, but must is stronger and more internal (speaker imposes it); have to is more external (rule or circumstance).
“I must remember to call her.” (personal obligation)
“You have to show your passport.” (rule requires it)
SHOULD vs OUGHT TO:
Both mean the same thing in practice — advice or moral obligation. Ought to is slightly more formal.
“You should apologise.” ≈ “You ought to apologise.”
MAY vs MIGHT:
Both express possibility. May suggests slightly higher probability; might is more tentative.
“She may be at home.” (probably possible)
“She might be at home.” (less certain)
NEEDN’T vs MUSTN’T:
Needn’t = no obligation (you don’t have to): “You needn’t bring anything.”
Mustn’t = prohibition (you are not allowed to): “You mustn’t be late.”
Several modal verbs have near-equivalents that are easy to confuse. This exercise includes several of these tricky pairs.
MUST vs HAVE TO:
Both express obligation, but must is stronger and more internal (speaker imposes it); have to is more external (rule or circumstance).
“I must remember to call her.” (personal obligation)
“You have to show your passport.” (rule requires it)
SHOULD vs OUGHT TO:
Both mean the same thing in practice — advice or moral obligation. Ought to is slightly more formal.
“You should apologise.” ≈ “You ought to apologise.”
MAY vs MIGHT:
Both express possibility. May suggests slightly higher probability; might is more tentative.
“She may be at home.” (probably possible)
“She might be at home.” (less certain)
NEEDN’T vs MUSTN’T:
Needn’t = no obligation (you don’t have to): “You needn’t bring anything.”
Mustn’t = prohibition (you are not allowed to): “You mustn’t be late.”
1. I might ________ to Australia next year.
Correct answer: go — after modal might, use the base form — might go.
2. She prefers ________ the blue dress.
Correct answer: to wear — after prefers, use the infinitive with to — prefers to wear.
3. I can't ________ French.
Correct answer: speak — after modal can't, use the base form — can't speak.
4. You shouldn't ________ about him so much.
Correct answer: worry — after modal shouldn't, use the base form — shouldn't worry.
5. My brother loves ________ in the shower.
Correct answer: to sing — after loves, use the infinitive with to — loves to sing.
6. I will ________ a song for you.
Correct answer: sing — after modal will, use the base form — will sing.
7. My brother doesn't like ________ hard.
Correct answer: to work — after doesn't like, use the infinitive with to — doesn't like to work.
8. You asked me ________ you a puppy.
Correct answer: to buy — after asked, use the infinitive with to — asked me to buy.
9. You must always ________ your hands before you eat.
Correct answer: wash — after modal must, use the base form — must wash.
10. I could not ________ my key this morning.
Correct answer: find — after modal could not, use the base form — could not find.
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 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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