Modal verb review

may / might / could / must / can't

1. Modal verbs.

Read this extract about an ancient ritual ball game from Mexico. There are eight modal verbs in the extract. (Some of them are repeated.) Can you find them? Select the words.

 

2. Modal verbs: probability vs. obligation.

Which meaning do these examples express: probability (what is or was likely) or obligation (what is or was necessary, permitted or forbidden)?

3. Modal verbs: probability.

Rewrite these sentences from the text, using the word provided.

4. Modal verbs: probability (continued).

Note:

must have been = it was very probable
may/might/could have been = it was probable
can’t have been = it was very probably NOT

Choose the best modal verb to complete these sentences.

5. Obligation.

Obligation

Look at different ways of describing obligation in the past.

  • The players were not allowed to hit the ball with their hands or feet.
  • They could use only their knees, hips and elbows.
  • The ball could not touch the ground.

could = were allowed to

  • They could use only their knees, hips and elbows.
    (= They were allowed to use only their knees, hips and elbows.)

had to = were supposed to

  • They had to give up all their clothing and jewellery to the winner.
    (= They were supposed to give up all their clothing and jewellery to the winner.)

not allowed to = not supposed to

  • They were not allowed to hit the ball.
    (= They were not supposed to hit the ball.)

 

Rewrite these sentences using the word in bold, so that the meaning is the same.

6. Obligation.

In football you have to
are supposed to		 kick the ball.
can’t
aren’t allowed to
aren’t supposed to		 pick up the ball with your hands.
can
are allowed to		 head the ball.

 

Choose the best way of completing these sentences.

 

For more information about modal verbs see the Grammar Reference.