MODALS

They are verbs which 'help' other verbs to express a meaning: it is important to realise that "modal
verbs" have no meaning by themselves. A modal verb such as would has several varying functions; it
can be used, for example, to help verbs express ideas about the past, the present and the future. It is
therefore wrong to simply believe that "would is the past of will": it is many other things.

A few basic grammatical rules applying to modal verbs

Modal verbs are NEVER used with other auxiliary verbs such as do, does, did etc. The negative is
formed simply by adding "not" after the verb; questions are formed by inversion of the verb and
subject:

Examples: You should not do that. Could you pick me up when I've finished?

Modal verbs NEVER change form: you can never add an "-s" or "-ed", for example.

Modal verbs are NEVER followed by to, with the exception of ought to.

What sort of meanings do modals give to other verbs?

The meaning are usually connected with ideas of DOUBT, CERTAINTY, POSSIBILITY and
PROBABILITY, OBLIGATION and PERMISSION (or lack of these). You will see that they are not
used to talk about things that definitely exist, or events that definitely happened. These meanings are
sometimes divided into two groups:

DEGREES OF CERTAINTY: certainty; probability; possibility; impossibility

OBLIGATION/FREEDOM TO ACT: permission, lack of permission; ability; obligation.

Let’s look at each modal verb separately, and the functions they help to express:

Will
1. Making personal predictions

I don't think the Queen will ever abdicate.

I doubt if I'll stay here much longer.

2. Talking about the present with certainty (making deductions)

I'm sure you will understand that there is nothing the Department can do

There's a letter for you. It'll be from the bank: they said they'd be writing.

3. Talking about the future with certainty

I won't be in the office until 11; I've got a meeting.

Don't bother ringing: they'll have left for their 10 o'clock lecture.
4. Talking about the past with certainty

I'm sure you will have noticed that attendance has fallen sharply.

5. Reassuring someone

Don't worry! You'll settle down quickly, I'm sure.

It'll be all right! You won't have to speak by yourself.

6. Making a decision in the present (non-intentional use)

For the main course I'll have grilled tuna.

I'm very tired. I think I'll stay at home tonight.

7. Making a semi-formal request

Will you open the window, please? It's very hot in here.

Sign this, will you?

8. Offering to do something

You stay there! I'll fetch the drinks.

9. Insistence; habitual behaviour

I'm not surprised you don't know what to do! You will keep talking in class.

Damn! My car won't start. I'll have to call the garage.

10. Making a promise or a threat

You can count on me! I'll be there at 8 o'clock sharp.

If you don't finish your dinner off, you'll go straight to bed!

Shall
Shall is a form of will, used mostly in the first person. Its use, however, is decreasing, and in any case
in spoken English it would be contracted to "-ll" and be indistinguishable from will.

The only time you do need to use it is in questions, when:

1. Making offers

Shall I fetch you another glass of wine?

2. Making suggestions

Shall we go to the cinema tonight?

May & Might
May & might sometimes have virtually the same meaning; they are used to talk about possibilities in
the past, present or future. ("Could" is also sometimes used).

May is sometimes a little bit "more sure" (50% chance); whereas might expresses more doubt (maybe
only a 30% chance).

May & might are used, then, for:

1. Talking about the present or future with uncertainty

She may be back in her office: the lecture finished ten minutes ago.

I may go shopping tonight, I haven't decided yet.

England might win the World Cup, you never know.

2. Talking about the past with uncertainty

I'm surprised he failed. I suppose he might have been ill on the day of the exam.

They can also sometimes be used for talking about permission, but usually only in formal situations.
Instead of saying May I open a window? we would say Is it all right/OK if I open a window? or Can I
open a window? for example. You might, however, see:

Students may not borrow equipment without written permission.

May
Talking about things that can happen in certain situations

If the monitors are used in poorly lit places, some users may experience headaches.

Each nurse may be responsible for up to twenty patients.

With a similar meaning to although

The experiment may have been a success, but there is still a lot of work to be done. (= Although it
was a success, there is still ...)

Might
Saying that something was possible, but did not actually happen

You saw me standing at the bus stop! You might have stopped and given me a lift!

Would
1. As the past of will, for example in indirect speech
"The next meeting will be in a month's time" becomes

He said the next meeting would be in a month's time.

2. Polite requests and offers (a 'softer' form of will)

Would you like another cup of tea?

Would you give me a ring after lunch?

I'd like the roast duck, please.

3. In conditionals, to indicate 'distance from reality': imagined, unreal, impossible situations

If I ruled the world, every day would be the first day of Spring.

It would have been better if you'd word processed your assignment.

4. After 'wish', to show regret or irritation over someone (or something's) refusal or insistence on
doing something (present or future)

I wish you wouldn't keep interrupting me.

I wish it would snow.

(This is a complicated area! Check in a good grammar book for full details!)

5. Talking about past habits (similiar meaning to used to)

When I was small, we would always visit relatives on Christmas Day.

6. Future in the past

The assassination would become one of the key events of the century.

Can & Could

1. Talking about ability

Can you speak Mandarin? (present)

She could play the piano when she was five. (past)

2. Making requests

Can you give me a ring at about 10?

Could you speak up a bit please? (slightly more formal, polite or 'softer')

3. Asking permission

Can I ask you a question? Could I ask you a personal question? (more formal, polite or indirect)
4. Reported speech
Could is used as the past of can.

He asked me if I could pick him up after work.

5. General possibility

You can drive when you're 17. (present)

Women couldn't vote until just after the First World War.

6. Choice and opportunities

If you want some help with your writing, you can come to classes, or you can get some 1:1 help.
We could go to Stratford tomorrow, but the forecast's not brilliant. (less definite)

7. Future probability
Could (NOT can) is sometimes used in the same way as might or may, often indicating something less
definite.

When I leave university I might travel around a bit, I might do an MA or I suppose I could even get a
job.

8. Present possibility

I think you could be right you know. (NOT can)

That can't be the right answer, it just doesn't make sense. (=Negative deduction)

9. Past possibility

If I'd known the lecture had been cancelled, I could have stayed in bed longer.

Must
Examples here refer to British English; there is some variation in American English.

1. Necessity and obligation

Must is often used to indicate 'personal' obligation; what you think you yourself or other people/things
must do. If the obligation comes from outside (eg a rule or law), then have to is often (but not always)
preferred:

I really must get some exercise.

People must try to be more tolerant of each other.
You musn't look - promise?
If you own a car, you have to pay an annual road tax.

2. Strong advice and invitations

I think you really must make more of an effort.

You must go and see the film - it's brilliant.
You must come and see me next time you're in town.

3. Saying you think something is certain (= affirmative deduction)

This must be the place - there's a white car parked outside.
You must be mad.
What a suntan! You must have had great weather.

The negative is expresses by can't:

You're going to sell your guitar! You can't be serious!

She didn't wave - she can't have seen me.

Should
1. Giving advice

I think you should go for the Alfa rather than the Audi.
You shouldn't be drinking if you're on antibiotics.
You shouldn't have ordered that chocolate dessert - you're not going to finish it.

2. Obligation: weak form of must

The university should provide more sports facilities.

The equipment should be inspected regularly.

3. Deduction

The letter should get to you tomorrow - I posted it first class.

4. Things which didn't or may/may not have happened

I should have renewed my TV licence last month, but I forgot.

You shouldn't have spent so much time on that first question.

Ought to
Ought to usually has the same meaning as should, particularly in affirmative statements in the present:

You should/ought to get your hair cut.

Exercises from http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal1.htm

Complete the sentences using the words listed below

can could have to must might should

1. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He ___________be exhausted after such a
long flight. He ___________ prefer to stay in tonight and get some rest.

2. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you ___________ walk downtown
and explore the waterfront.

3. Hiking the trail to the peak ______________ be dangerous if you are not well prepared for
dramatic weather changes. You ____________research the route a little more before you attempt the
ascent.

4. When you have a small child in the house, you _______________leave small objects lying around.
Such objects _____________ be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

5. Dave: _______________ you hold your breath for more than a minute?
Nathan: No, I can't.
6. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It ________________ have cost a fortune.

7. Please make sure to water my plants while I am gone. If they don't get enough water, they
___________ die.

8. I ______________ speak Arabic fluently when I was a child and we lived in Egypt. But after we
moved back to Canada, I had very little exposure to the language and forgot almost everything I knew
as a child. Now, I ______________ just say a few things in the language.

9. The book is optional. My professor said we ______________read it if we needed extra credit. But
we ______________read it if we don't want to.

10. Leo: Where is the spatula? It ______________ be in this drawer but it's not here.
Nancy: I just did a load of dishes last night and they're still in the dish washer. It ______________ be
in there. That's the only other place it ______________ be.

11. You ______________take your umbrella along with you today. The weatherman on the news said
there's a storm north of here and it ______________ rain later on this afternoon.

12. ______________ we pull over at the next rest stop? I really ______________ use the bathroom
and I don't know if I ______________ hold it until we get to Chicago.

13. Oh no! Frank's wallet is lying on the coffee table. He ______________ have left it here last night.

14. Ned: ______________ I borrow your lighter for a minute?

Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you ______________ keep it if you want to. I've given up
smoking.

15. I ______________ believe she said that to Megan! She ______________insult her cooking in
front of everyone at the party last night. She ______________ have just said she was full or had some
salad if she didn't like the meal.

16. Do you ______________chew with your mouth open like that? Geez, it's making me sick
watching you eat that piece of pizza.

17. Mrs. Scarlett's body was found in the lounge just moments ago, and it's still warm! Nobody has
left the mansion this evening, so the killer ______________ be someone in this room. It
______________ be any one of us!!!

18. Ted: I don't know why Denise starting crying when I mentioned the wedding.
Pamela: It ______________ have been what you said about her brother. Or, perhaps she is just
nervous. After all, the big day is tomorrow.

19. ______________ you always say the first thing that pops into your head? _____________you
think once in awhile before you speak?

20. I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this room. It
______________ be lying around here somewhere. Where ______________ it be? be swallowed,
causing serious injury or even death.
KEY
1. Ted's flight from Amsterdam took more than 11 hours. He __must_________be exhausted after such a long flight. He __might_________
prefer to stay in tonight and get some rest.

2. If you want to get a better feeling for how the city is laid out, you __should_________ walk downtown and explore the waterfront.

3. Hiking the trail to the peak __could___________ be dangerous if you are not well prepared for dramatic weather changes. You
_must___________research the route a little more before you attempt the ascent.

4. When you have a small child in the house, you ____mustn’t___________leave small objects lying around. Such objects
____might_________ be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

5. Dave: __Can_____________ you hold your breath for more than a minute?
Nathan: No, I can't.

6. Jenny's engagement ring is enormous! It ____must____________ have cost a fortune.

7. Please make sure to water my plants while I am gone. If they don't get enough water, they ___________ die.

8. I ___could___________ speak Arabic fluently when I was a child and we lived in Egypt. But after we moved back to Canada, I had very
little exposure to the language and forgot almost everything I knew as a child. Now, I __can____________ just say a few things in the
language.

9. The book is optional. My professor said we ___could___________read it if we needed extra credit. But we ____don’t have
to__________read it if we don't want to.

10. Leo: Where is the spatula? It ____should__________ be in this drawer but it's not here.
Nancy: I just did a load of dishes last night and they're still in the dish washer. It ____must__________ be in there. That's the only other
place it ___could___________ be.

11. You __should____________take your umbrella along with you today. The weatherman on the news said there's a storm north of here
and it ___might___________ rain later on this afternoon.

12. __Can____________ we pull over at the next rest stop? I really ___must___________ use the bathroom and I don't know if I
_can_____________ hold it until we get to Chicago.

13. Oh no! Frank's wallet is lying on the coffee table. He ____must__________ have left it here last night.

14. Ned: __Can____________ I borrow your lighter for a minute?

Stephen: Sure, no problem. Actually, you ___can___________ keep it if you want to. I've given up smoking.

15. I ___can’t___________ believe she said that to Megan! She __didn’t have to____________insult her cooking in front of everyone at
the party last night. She __should____________ have just said she was full or had some salad if she didn't like the meal.

16. Do you ___have to___________chew with your mouth open like that? Geez, it's making me sick watching you eat that piece of pizza.

17. Mrs. Scarlett's body was found in the lounge just moments ago, and it's still warm! Nobody has left the mansion this evening, so the
killer ____must__________ be someone in this room. It ___could___________ be any one of us!!!

18. Ted: I don't know why Denise starting crying when I mentioned the wedding.
Pamela: It ___could___________ have been what you said about her brother. Or, perhaps she is just nervous. After all, the big day is
tomorrow.

19. __Must____________ you always say the first thing that pops into your head? ___Can’t__________you think once in awhile before
you speak?
20. I was reading the book last night before I went to bed. I never took it out of this room. It __must____________ be lying around here
somewhere. Where _______can_______ it be? be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

Try a Final Quizz on Modals at

http://www.englishpage.com/modals/interactivemodal8.htm

EXERCISES for MODAL VERBS from

http://www.wordpower.ws/grammar/gramex10.html#12

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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)

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)

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)

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? ___

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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?
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)
Answers

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)

ANSWERS for 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.