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EXERCISES for CHAPTER 10. MODAL VERBS
1. Change the following affirmative statements into questions. For example:I may go.
May I go?
We could have found it.
Could we have found it?
1. I must leave at four o'clock.
2. He might be leaving for work now.
3. We can solve the puzzle.
4. You should have called him.
5. They could have been waiting for the bus.
6. I shall go out now.
7. You will have finished the book.
8. We should be making the arrangements.
9. She would like to know the answer.
10. They can explain what happened.
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2. Change the following affirmative statements into negative statements. For example:
I can answer the question.
I cannot answer the question.
He shall be sorry.
He shall not be sorry.
1. You must come with us.
2. It may be sunny tomorrow.
3. She could have won the race.
4. We might be right.
5. You would have liked that movie.
6. They can swim very well.
7. She might be finishing school now.
8. He should have been walking to work.
9. I shall be happy to see him.
10. You will have been working all night.
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3. Change the following affirmative statements into negative questions. Do not use contractions in this exercise. For example:
He must be at work now.
Must he not be at work now?
They might call us later.
Might they not call us later?
1. You should be wearing a warm hat.
2. He could have decided to stay at home.
3. They might have forgotten the message.
4. She will see you again next week.
5. They would enjoy riding on the ferry.
6. He may decide to go camping.
7. They could have been playing football yesterday.
8. We shall visit our friends.
9. She must have wanted to join us.
10. He should be getting more sleep.
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4. For each of the following sentences, change the verb in the main clause from the Simple Present to the Simple Past; and change the modal auxiliary from the present to the past. For example:
He says he can do it.
He said he could do it.
Do you think she will manage it?
Did you think she would manage it?
1. She says he may go.
2. I think we can finish on time.
3. They know we will help them.
4. He says he must leave.
5. We believe she will be there.
6. Do you hope they will reply soon?
7. Does he not realize we may meet him there?
8. You think we can reach our destination by nightfall.
9. I suppose he must be at home.
10. I predict I shall succeed.
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5. For each of the following sentences, change the verb in the main clause from the Simple Past to the Simple Present; and change the modal auxiliary from the past to the present. For example:
They felt they could not win.
They feel they cannot win.
He believed he would reach the Amazon River in a few days.
He believes he will reach the Amazon River in a few days.
1. He thought he might arrive early.
2. She felt she must make a phone call.
3. I maintained they would not have any difficulty.
4. They realized they could not do all the work in one day.
5. We knew we should not be able to return home for Christmas.
6. They hoped they could find their way.
7. He imagined he would be able to convince us.
8. She suspected they must be living nearby.
9. I hoped you would enjoy the play.
10. We thought you might know him.
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6. Complete the following sentences, using the indicated verbs in the Simple conjugation with the auxiliary could. For example:
I wish I ___________ Portuguese. (to speak)
I wish I could speak Portuguese.
They will wish they ____________ the questions. (to answer)
They will wish they could answer the questions.
You wished you _________ some chocolate. (to buy)
You wished you could buy some chocolate.
1. He wishes he ______________ them. (to call)
2. We wish we _______________ more time sightseeing. (to spend)
3. She wished she _______________ you. (to visit)
4. They will wish they _______________ to the concert. (to go)
5. I wished I _______________ my way home. (to find)
6. He wishes he _______________ famous. (to become)
7. I wish I _______________ it to you. (to describe)
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7. Complete the following sentences, using the indicated verbs in the Simple conjugation with the auxiliary could. For example:
If he wanted to, he ___________ how to sail a boat. (to learn)
If he wanted to, he could learn how to sail a boat.
If we ____________ anywhere, we would visit Greece. (to travel)
If we could travel anywhere, we would visit Greece.
1. If I _____________ you, I would be glad to do it. (to help)
2. If she played the piano, she ______________ your singing. (to accompany)
3. We _____________ before dawn if we made all our preparations tonight. (to depart)
4. He would be thrilled if he ___________ to ride a horse. (to learn)
5. If she came with us, we ______________ her all the sights. (to show)
6. If they gave us their address, we ______________ them a card. (to send)
7. He would move at once if he _____________ a better place to live. (to find)
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8. Complete the following sentences, using the indicated verbs in the Perfect conjugation with the auxiliary could. For example:
Had I studied harder, I ___________________ every question. (to answer)
Had I studied harder, I could have answered every question.
_____ she ________ you earlier, she would have spoken to you. (to see)
Could she have seen you earlier, she would have spoken to you.
1. If you ___________________ him trying to skate, you would have laughed. (to see)
2. If I had experienced difficulties, I __________________ him for help. (to ask)
3. It would have been better if we __________________ everything to her. (to explain)
4. Had they had permission, they ______________ the arrangements themselves. (to make)
5. We _______ easily our way if we had not brought a compass with us. (to lose)
6. ______ they _____________ what he had in mind, they would not have been so complacent. (to know)
7. Had a flying saucer landed on the roof, he _______ not ___________ more surprised. (to be)
8. If only I __________________ them of the truth, much time and trouble would have been saved. (to convince)
9. If you ____________________ what might happen, would you have acted differently? (to guess)
10. Had I realized he was in town, I __________________ him. (to contact)
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9. Fill in the blanks, indicating whether each of the following sentences is somewhat polite (S), quite polite (Q), or very polite (V). Notice the indirect phrasing of the most polite requests and suggestions. For example:
Could you pass the butter? S
Would you please pass the butter? Q
Might I trouble you to pass the butter? V
1. Could you help me? ___
2. Would you like some help? ___
3. Might I be of assistance? ___
4. You could come with us. ___
5. You might wish to accompany us. ___
6. Would you like to come with us? ___
7. Might I trouble you for two pounds of fish? ___
8. I would like to buy two pounds of fish, please. ___
9. Could you give me two pounds of fish? ___
10. Could I have your opinion on this? ___
11. Would you please tell me what you think? ___
12. Might I know your feelings on the matter? ___
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10. Complete each of the following sentences with the auxiliary may, might or must. Use may or might when the event described seems somewhat probable, and use must when the event described seems very probable. For example:
You ___ be right; we shall have to wait and see.
You may be right; we shall have to wait and see. or You might be right; we shall have to wait and see.
That ____ be our landlord; I would recognize him anywhere.
That must be our landlord; I would recognize him anywhere.
1. Although it _________ be true, it seems unlikely.
2. That _________ have been the number 10 bus, because no other bus runs on this street.
3. We __________ have to wait a long time for a bus, because they do not run very frequently.
4. That ________ be the right answer; there is no other possibility.
5. Tell me your problem; I _________ be able to help you.
6. It _________ have been he who answered the phone, because no one else was at home.
7. Since we have never been to this store before, we _________ have difficulty finding what we want.
8. You _________ be pleased that you are doing so well in your new job.
9. I _________ go downtown tomorrow; it depends on the weather.
10. Although he is a very careful worker, it is possible that he _________ have made a mistake.
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11. Rewrite the following sentences, putting the underlined verbs into the future. For example:
They can explain the situation to us.
They will be able to explain the situation to us.
May they leave whenever they wish?
Will they be allowed to leave whenever they wish?
She must obtain a license.
She will have to obtain a license.
1. She can describe it to you.
2. You must lock the doors when you leave.
3. He can follow the instructions.
4. May they stay overnight?
5. We must remember to buy groceries.
6. She can finish the work on time.
7. Must he take his glasses with him?
8. Can they buy the tickets in advance?
9. She must learn to be more careful.
10. You may choose your own seat.
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12. Add negative tag questions to the following affirmative statements. For example:
They are lucky.
They are lucky, aren't they?
You know what I mean.
You know what I mean, don't you?
We will tell him the truth.
We will tell him the truth, won't we?
She could try harder.
She could try harder, couldn't she?
1. You are cold.
2. They passed the test.
3. I can do this well.
4. You live near the school.
5. He went downtown.
6. We should call them.
7. She likes toffee.
8. They could help us.
9. I won the race.
10. You were reading.
11. He rides a bicycle.
12. We would need more time.
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13. Add affirmative tag questions to the following negative statements. For example:
She isn't well.
She isn't well, is she?
You don't eat fish.
You don't eat fish, do you?
He hadn't found it.
He hadn't found it, had he?
They won't mind.
They won't mind, will they?
1. They won't reach their destination before five o'clock.
2. He doesn't want to come with us.
3. She hasn't eaten breakfast yet.
4. They aren't very clever.
5. I couldn't have persuaded you.
6. You won't forget to come.
7. We weren't expecting company.
8. They wouldn't like that.
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14. Write affirmative short answers to the following questions. For example:
Is he thirsty?
Yes, he is.
Haven't they read the book?
Yes, they have.
Can they finish the work by themselves?
Yes, they can.
Should she leave now?
Yes, she should.
1. Do we need any butter?
2. May they send for you?
3. Is she sure she is right?
4. Does he enjoy studying?
5. Had they been meaning to call us?
6. Couldn't he send us the information?
7. Would she like to listen to the radio?
8. Had he been wanting to travel?
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15. Write negative short answers to the following questions. For example:
Wasn't he thirsty?
No, he wasn't.
Were they watching television?
No, they weren't.
Should we turn left here?
No, we shouldn't.
Will they want some coffee?
No, they won't.
1. Isn't she driving her own car?
2. Will he be visiting Denmark?
3. Would she mind?
4. Could they understand everything?
5. Will she have to get up early?
6. Should he warn them?
7. Didn't we sell all the chocolate bars?
8. Couldn't they find any evidence?
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16. Add the short form construction using the words and so to each of the following affirmative statements. Use the subjects shown in brackets. For example:
He is lucky. (I)
He is lucky, and so am I.
She likes chocolate. (you)
She likes chocolate, and so do you.
They can swim well. (we)
They can swim well, and so can we.
1. We are thirsty. (they)
2. You have been helpful. (she)
3. I swam to the island. (he)
4. He was riding a horse. (you)
5. They can understand Dutch. (we)
6. She enjoyed the trip. (I)
7. You should study hard. (they)
8. He reads a great deal. (she)
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17. Add the short form construction using the words and neither to each of the following negative statements. Use the subjects shown in brackets. For example:
He is not angry. (we)
He is not angry, and neither are we.
They didn't visit you. (I)
They didn't visit you, and neither did I.
I couldn't understand it. (she)
I couldn't understand it, and neither could she.
1. You haven't finished supper. (she)
2. He couldn't tell the time. (they)
3. She is not planning to go. (we)
4. We didn't wait long. (he)
5. He has not been feeling well. (I)
6. She cannot run fast. (they)
7. We do not own a canary. (he)
8. You won't be needing an umbrella. (we)
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ANSWERS for CHAPTER 10. MODAL VERBS
Answers to Exercise 1:1. Must I leave at four o'clock? 2. Might he be leaving for work now? 3. Can we solve the puzzle? 4. Should you have called him? 5. Could they have been waiting for the bus? 6. Shall I go out now? 7. Will you have finished the book? 8. Should we be making the arrangements? 9. Would she like to know the answer? 10. Can they explain what happened?
Answers to Exercise 2:
1. You must not come with us. 2. It may not be sunny tomorrow. 3. She could not have won the race. 4. We might not be right. 5. You would not have liked that movie. 6. They cannot swim very well. 7. She might not be finishing school now. 8. He should not have been walking to work. 9. I shall not be happy to see him. 10. You will not have been working all night.
Answers to Exercise 3:
1. Should you not be wearing a warm hat? 2. Could he not have decided to stay at home? 3. Might they not have forgotten the message? 4. Will she not see you again next week? 5. Would they not enjoy riding on the ferry? 6. May he not decide to go camping? 7. Could they not have been playing football yesterday? 8. Shall we not visit our friends? 9. Must she not have wanted to join us? 10. Should he not be getting more sleep?
Answers to Exercise 4:
1. She said he might go. 2. I thought we could finish on time. 3. They knew we would help them. 4. He said he must leave. 5. We believed she would be there. 6. Did you hope they would reply soon? 7. Did he not realize we might meet him there? 8. You thought we could reach our destination by nightfall. 9. I supposed he must be at home. 10. I predicted I should succeed.
Answers to Exercise 5:
1. He thinks he may arrive early. 2. She feels she must make a phone call. 3. I maintain they will not have any difficulty. 4. They realize they cannot do all the work in one day. 5. We know we shall not be able to return home for Christmas. 6. They hope they can find their way. 7. He imagines he will be able to convince us. 8. She suspects they must be living nearby. 9. I hope you will enjoy the play. 10. We think you may know him.
Answers to Exercise 6:
1. could call 2. could spend 3. could visit 4. could go 5. could find 6. could become 7. could describe
Answers to Exercise 7:
1. could help 2. could accompany 3. could depart 4. could learn 5. could show 6. could send 7. could find
Answers to Exercise 8:
1. could have seen 2. could have asked 3. could have explained 4. could have made 5. could, have lost 6. Could, have known 7. could, have been 8. could have convinced 9. could have guessed 10. could have contacted
Answers to Exercise 9:
1. S 2. Q 3. V 4. S 5. V 6. Q 7. V 8. Q 9. S 10. S 11. Q 12. V
Answers to Exercise 10:
1. may or might 2. must 3. may or might 4. must 5. may or might 6. must 7. may or might 8. must 9. may or might 10. may or might
Answers to Exercise 11:
1. She will be able to describe it to you. 2. You will have to lock the doors when you leave. 3. He will be able to follow the instructions. 4. Will they be allowed to stay overnight? 5. We will have to remember to buy groceries. 6. She will be able to finish the work on time. 7. Will he have to take his glasses with him? 8. Will they be able to buy the tickets in advance? 9. She will have to learn to be more careful. 10. You will be allowed to choose your own seat.
Answers to Exercise 12:
1. You are cold, aren't you? 2. They passed the test, didn't they? 3. I can do this well, can't I? 4. You live near the school, don't you? 5. He went downtown, didn't he? 6. We should call them, shouldn't we? 7. She likes toffee, doesn't she? 8. They could help us, couldn't they? 9. I won the race, didn't I? 10. You were reading, weren't you? 11. He rides a bicycle, doesn't he? 12. We would need more time, wouldn't we?
Answers to Exercise 13:
1. They won't reach their destination before five o'clock, will they? 2. He doesn't want to come with us, does he? 3. She hasn't eaten breakfast yet, has she? 4. They aren't very clever, are they? 5. I couldn't have persuaded you, could I? 6. You won't forget to come, will you? 7. We weren't expecting company, were we? 8. They wouldn't like that, would they?
Answers to Exercise 14:
1. Yes, we do. 2. Yes, they may. 3. Yes, she is. 4. Yes, he does. 5. Yes, they had. 6. Yes, he could. 7. Yes, she would. 8. Yes, he had.
Answers to Exercise 15:
1. No, she isn't. 2. No, he won't. 3. No, she wouldn't. 4. No, they couldn't. 5. No, she won't. 6. No, he shouldn't. 7. No, we didn't. 8. No, they couldn't.
Answers to Exercise 16:
1. We are thirsty, and so are they. 2. You have been helpful, and so has she. 3. I swam to the island, and so did he. 4. He was riding a horse, and so were you. 5. They can understand Dutch, and so can we. 6. She enjoyed the trip, and so did I. 7. You should study hard, and so should they. 8. He reads a great deal, and so does she.
Answers to Exercise 17:
1. You haven't finished supper, and neither has she. 2. He couldn't tell the time, and neither could they. 3. She is not planning to go, and neither are we. 4. We didn't wait long, and neither did he. 5. He has not been feeling well, and neither have I. 6. She cannot run fast, and neither can they. 7. We do not own a canary, and neither does he. 8. You won't be needing an umbrella, and neither will we.
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