Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.

• Use can to show ability. Use could to talk about past ability.
• Use may to talk about possibility.
• Use will to talk about willingness.

1. I ……………………… run for miles. (may / can)

2. She ……………………. not help us. (will / shall)

3. It ……………………. rain in the night. (may / can)

4. ……………………… you solve this problem? (Can / May)

5. ……………………… you help me? (Will / Shall)

6. ……………………… I help you? (Shall / Will)

7. You ……………………… obey the rules. (must / may)

8. He ………………………. speak four languages. (can / may)

9. He ………………………. be working late tonight. (may / can)

10. She ………………………. never listen to me. (will / can)

11. She ………………………. solve the problem in two minutes. (could / shall)

12. You ……………………… help the poor. (would / should)

13. He ……………………….. never listen to me. (would / should)

14. She ……………………….. be happy to see us. (will / shall)

15. They ……………………….. arrive any time. (may / will)

Answers

1. I can run for miles.

2. She will not help us.

3. It may rain in the night.

4. Can you solve this problem?

5. Will you help me?

6. Shall I help you?

7. You must obey the rules.

8. He can speak four languages.

9. He may be working late tonight.

10. She will never listen to me.

11. She could solve the problem in two minutes.

12. You should help the poor.

13. He would never listen to me.

14. She will be happy to see us.

15. They may arrive any time.