WPWord Play

Modal Verbs — Advanced

LESSON
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Grammar rules and examples for self-study
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REVIEW
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ANSWER KEY
Answer Key
Correct answers for all exercises
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Modal Verbs — Advanced

Grammar Reference

Form Example
Past deductionmust/can't/might have + PPShe could have been a doctor. (possibility unfulfilled)
Past continuousmodal + have been + -ingYou could have asked me. (criticism — you didn't)
Past passivemodal + have been + PPI would have helped if I'd known. (hypothetical)
Regret/criticismshould have / could have / would have + PPShe would have left by now. (typical past inference)

Modal Verbs — Advanced — Exercises

Choose the correct modal form

  1. You _____ told me about the meeting — I missed it!
    (should have / must have / needn't have) 
  2. She _____ passed — she studied for months.
    (must have / can't have / needn't have) 
  3. You _____ brought food — we had plenty!
    (needn't have / should have / must have) 
  4. He _____ understood — it's a simple question.
    (can't have / should have / must have) 
  5. You'd _____ leave now or you'll be late.
    (better / rather / supposed to) 
  6. She's _____ to be at the conference — she never misses it.
    (bound / supposed / better) 
  7. I'd _____ have fish than chicken, please.
    (rather / better / bound) 
  8. You're _____ to submit the form by Friday.
    (supposed / bound / rather) 

Complete using a past modal

  1. She looks exhausted. She _____ worked all night. (deduction)
  2. He _____ left the keys — they're right here. (negative deduction)
  3. You _____ called me — I was worried. (criticism)
  4. I _____ bought two tickets — only one was needed. (unnecessary action)

Modal Verbs — Advanced — Answer Key

Choose the correct modal form

  1. should have
  2. must have
  3. needn't have
  4. can't have
  5. better
  6. bound
  7. rather
  8. supposed

Complete using a past modal

  1. must have
  2. can't have
  3. should have
  4. needn't have