Intermediate / Upper-Intermediate: 8 (modals)

English Grammar Tests » Intermediate / Upper-Intermediate: 8 (modals)

8 (modals)

- Modals

Choose the best alternative.

His illness got worse and worse. In the end he _____ go into hospital for an operation.
- A) will have to
- B) must
- C) had to
- D) ought to have
You _____ any more aspirins; you’ve had four already.
- A) mustn’t take
- B) needn’t have taken
- C) shouldn’t have taken
- D) had better not take
I’ve searched everywhere for Bob but I _____ to find him.
- A) wasn’t able
- B) am not able
- C) haven’t been able
- D) couldn’t
A: Mrs. Taylor was found dead with a wire around her neck.
B: She _____ strangled.
- A) had to be
- B) ought to have been
- C) should have
- D) must have been
You _____ spanked her. She didn’t deserve it.
- A) shouldn’t have
- B) needn’t have
- C) mustn’t have
- D) couldn’t have
A: I wonder who took my alarm clock.
B: It _____ Julia. She _____ supposed to get up early.
- A) might be / is
- B) could be / is
- C) had to be / was
- D) must have been / was
In a hundred years’ time we _____ out of water to drink.
- A) must have run
- B) might have been/run
- C) should have run
- D) may have run
If you’d explained your problem to me, I _____ to help you.
- A) was able
- B) will have been able
- C) would have been able
- D) could have
Joe ran all the way. It wasn’t necessary. Joe _____ run all the way.
- A) needn’t have
- B) need have
- C) didn’t need to
- D) doesn’t need to
Tom was serious when he said he wanted to be an actor when he grew up. We _____ at him. We hurt his feelings.
- A) shouldn’t have laughed
- B) needn’t have laughed
- C) mustn’t have laughed
- D) shouldn’t have been laughed
He _____ hungry. He isn’t eating his food.
- A) should be
- B) needn’t have been
- C) might not have been
- D) must not be
All the lights in Terry’s room are turned off. He_____ sleeping.
- A) must have been
- B) had to be
- C) must be
- D) must not be
Let’s go to the seminar. It _____ interesting.
- A) used to be
- B) is supposed to be
- C) must have been
- D) needs to be
Children _____ taught to respect their elders.
- A) should be
- B) had better
- C) has to be
- D) must have
This application _____ last week.
- A) should be sent
- B) must have been
- C) ought to have been sent
- D) should have sent
We can’t wait any longer! Something _____ immediately.
- A) should have been done
- B) had to be done
- C) ought to do
- D) must be done
A: I overslept this morning.
B: You _____ your alarm clock.
- A) had better set
- B) had to set
- C) should have set
- D) ought to have been
Rice _____ have water in order to grow.
- A) must
- B) should
- C) had better
- D) ought to
I _____ to go now. I have a class in ten minutes.
- A) had better
- B) have got
- C) must
- D) should
“Doctors are supposed to help sick people” means: _____.
- A) They help sick people.
- B) They should help sick people.
- C) They must be helping sick people.
- D) They might have helped sick people.
I _____ to the doctor. I’m feeling much better.
- A) don’t have to go
- B) needn’t have gone
- C) should have gone
- D) mustn’t go
This is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime. We _____ let it pass.
- A) don’t have to
- B) shouldn’t have
- C) needn’t have
- D) mustn’t
I _____ go to the cinema than study English.
- A) would rather
- B) had better
- C) need to
- D) should
When I was a child my father _____ read me a story every night before bed.
- A) was going to
- B) was used to
- C) would
- D) got used to
A: Did you enjoy the concert?
B: It was OK, but I ___ to the theatre.
- A) needn’t have gone
- B) must have gone
- C) had better go
- D) would rather have gone
A: How much do you weigh?
B: _____.
- A) I needn’t have told you
- B) I’d rather not tell you
- C) I couldn’t have told you
- D) I’d better not be told
When I was a child, I _____ a flashlight to bed with me so that I _____ read comic books without my parents’ knowing them.
- A) used to take / could
- B) was used to taking / could
- C) would take / can
- D) would have taken / was able to
After looking at his notes again, he _____ to complete the exercise.
- A) could
- B) was able
- C) can
- D) has been able
If we don’t book seats soon, we _____ to get into the concert.
- A) are able
- B) won’t be able
- C) will be able
- D) can’t
If we went to live in the tropics. I _____ buy some thin clothes.
- A) will have to
- B) have to
- C) would have to
- D) have had to
If there is fuel shortage, solar energy _____.
- A) has to develop
- B) will have to be developed
- C) will have to develop
- D) had to be developed
When she got thinner she _____ take her dress in.
- A) will have to
- B) should
- C) has to
- D) had to
Mary _____ any chocolates but she did.
- A) shouldn’t eat
- B) ought not to have eaten
- C) ought not to eat
- D) must not have eaten
Your umbrella is wet. It _____ raining.
- A) must be
- B) was
- C) can’t be
- D) might
_____ the pains come again, don’t hesitate to phone me.
- A) Would
- B) Should
- C) Will
- D) Had
_____ it been raining, I’d have needed my umbrella.
- A) Should
- B) Would
- C) Might
- D) Had
A: I took Janet to the cinema last night.
B: You _____ me too. I was at home.
- A) might take
- B) may have been taken
- C) might have taken
- D) must have taken
I don’t think she _____. Call her again.
- A) can have heard
- B) might have heard
- C) must hear
- D) can be heard
Lucy is very late. She _____ her train.
- A) may miss
- B) may have missed
- C) had to miss
- D) should have missed
I walked to school this morning, but I _____ a bus.
- A) didn’t need to take
- B) had better take
- C) might take
- D) could have taken
The flower is dead. Maybe I _____ it more water.
- A) might give
- B) needed to give
- C) should have given
- D) ought to have been given
These flowers _____ twice a week, but I always forget to water them.
- A) ought to water
- B) ought to have been watered
- C) should be watered
- D) needn’t have been watered
Why don’t you buy a lottery ticket. You _____ a large prize.
- A) might win
- B) might have won
- C) could have won
- D) must have won
Why did you take such a risk? You _____ died!
- A) could
- B) must be
- C) might have
- D) may be
We _____ our towels because we knew the hotel would provide some.
- A) didn’t need to pack
- B) needn’t pack
- C) don’t have to pack
- D) needn’t have been packed
It was very cold in the morning. You _____ your sweater.
- A) could wear
- B) need to wear
- C) should have worn
- D) might wear
“I was supposed to call her at seven.” means: _____.
- A) I called her at seven
- B) I was called by her at seven
- C) I could call her at seven.
- D) I should have called her at seven
You _____ for me; I could have found the way all right.
- A) needn’t have waited
- B) could have waited
- C) don’t have to wait
- D) didn’t need to wait
Janet _____ some problem. She keeps crying.
- A) must have had
- B) must have
- C) needs to have
- D) may have had
The lights have gone out. _____.
- A) A fuse might blow
- B) A fuse could blow
- C) A fuse must have blown
- D) A fuse will have blown
I _____ to the butcher’s on the way home, but I forgot.
- A) need to go
- B) ought to have gone
- C) must have gone
- D) should go
She _____ about the time. Her friends were also late.
- A) needn’t worry
- B) won’t need to worry
- C) doesn’t need to worry
- D) needn’t have worried
The plane _____ already-it’s not due to go until 9.55.
- A) must not leave
- B) needn’t have left
- C) can’t leave
- D) can’t have left
A: Is it Sunday? All the shops are closed.
B: Well, if all the shops are closed, it _____ Sunday.
- A) can’t be
- B) might have been
- C) must be
- D) must have been
A: You bought the tickets, didn’t you?
B: No. I _____, but I didn’t have enough money.
- A) couldn’t
- B) ought to have been
- C) was supposed to
- D) must have
The boy _____ walk again soon after he had had an operation.
- A) can
- B) is able to
- C) might
- D) was able to
He was crying just a moment ago. He _____ singing already.
- A) is not able to
- B) must be
- C) must not
- D) can’t be
George is reading a Spanish newspaper. He _____ Spanish.
- A) is to know
- B) must know
- C) had to know
- D) need to know
No wonder you always look pale. You _____ get more fresh air.
- A) will need
- B) ought to
- C) had to
- D) must have
To keep fit and stay healthy, you _____ enough of the right kinds of exercise.
- A) have to take
- B) used to take
- C) might have taken
- D) ought to have taken
Transport systems _____ likely to change in the future. One probable difference is that there _____ more electric vehicles.
- A) is / will be
- B) will / are
- C) are / will be
- D) will / would be
If you want antibiotics, you _____ to ask the doctor for a prescription.
- A) must
- B) had better
- C) will have
- D) should
“You weren’t supposed to do that.” means: _____.
- A) You should do that, but you don’t.
- B) You should have done it, but you didn’t.
- C) You shouldn’t have done it.
- D) You shouldn’t do that, but you do.
The wound has healed now. You _____ that bandage any longer.
- A) needn’t have worn
- B) didn’t need to wear
- C) don’t have to wear
- D) didn’t have to wear
You _____ this to Kate, or she’ll get upset.
- A) needn’t tell
- B) shouldn’t have told
- C) mustn’t have told
- D) mustn’t tell
A: His office is empty. He must have gone home.
B: But his briefcase is here. He _____ home.
- A) might not go
- B) can’t have gone
- C) ought not to go
- D) could have gone
He _____ with us if he doesn’t want to.
- A) needs to come
- B) needn’t have come
- C) didn’t need to come
- D) needn’t come
The package _____ to the wrong address.
- A) must have been sent
- B) ought to be sent
- C) could have sent
- D) might have sent
Since you have been working for hours, you _____ tired.
- A) could be
- B) can’t be
- C) must have been
- D) might have been
We _____ or we’ll be late,
- A) had better hurry
- B) didn’t need to hurry
- C) had to hurry
- D) needn’t have hurried
The car broke down, and we _____ have it towed to a service station.
- A) have to
- B) had to
- C) should
- D) ought to
No one likes _____ work at the weekend.
- A) has to
- B) had to
- C) will have to
- D) having to
It is very difficult choice to _____ make.
- A) have to
- B) having to
- C) had to
- D) must
You _____ to see a doctor. You’re perfectly healthy.
- A) mustn’t
- B) don’t need
- C) may not
- D) shouldn’t
Alcohol _____ be bad for his health, but it is for me.
- A) must not
- B) didn’t need to
- C) doesn’t have to
- D) may not
Children under twelve _____ travel free of charge.
- A) can
- B) is able to
- C) can not be
- D) must be
Father is mending the car. After that we _____ to go for a drive.
- A) can
- B) might
- C) may
- D) will be able
It is very important to me, and I really_____ be late.
- A) might not
- B) ought not
- C) don’t have to
- D) mustn’t
We _____ write an essay on the book after we’d read it.
- A) had to
- B) have to
- C) will have to
- D) must
The sky _____ seen because of the pollution.
- A) can not
- B) can’t be
- C) might be
- D) must be
I_____ sorry if she had left.
- A) will be
- B) would’ve been
- C) would be
- D) had been
Robert is a millionaire’s son. He _____ never_____ worry about anything in life.
- A) is / has to
- B) had / had to
- C) has / had to
- D) doesn’t / have to
You’d better not try to bribe him. He _____ you to the police.
- A) could report
- B) might have reported
- C) needs to report
- D) could have reported
I wish you’d told me they were on the phone. I _____ all the way to their house.
- A) didn’t have to go
- B) didn’t need to go
- C) needn’t go
- D) needn’t have gone
If only you’d mentioned that your friend played tennis. We _____ a game of doubles.
- A) can have
- B) could have had
- C) might have
- D) could have
If my car _____ stuck in a traffic jam, I’d be very angry, but I _____ my horn.
- A) is / won’t bang
- B) was / don’t bang
- C) were / won’t bang
- D) were / wouldn’t bang
I wouldn’t buy it unless I _____ it.
- A) can’t afford
- B) could have afforded
- C) could afford
- D) couldn’t afford
A: Williams. Jack Williams.
B: Sorry. I _____ the wrong number.
- A) must dial
- B) must have dialed
- C) might dial
- D) might have been dialed
A: He was driving on the right in Cyprus when he crashed.
B: He _____ on the left.
- A) had to be driving
- B) could be driving
- C) ought to have been driving
- D) shouldn’t have been driving
A: The attendant was smoking near the petrol pump.
B: He _____ smoking there.
- A) shouldn’t be
- B) ought not to be
- C) wouldn’t be
- D) shouldn’t have been
You say you saw him sitting in the canteen today. He _____ sitting there. He has been in hospital for two days.
- A) couldn’t have been
- B) must not be
- C) can not be
- D) might have been
A: Look at the magician. He is sawing that woman in half!
B: He _____ sawing her in half. It _____ a trick.
- A) mustn’t be / might be
- B) can not be / must be
- C) ought not to be / can be
- D) must be / might be
A: His brother won the marathon last year.
B: He _____ very fast.
- A) might have been
- B) must be
- C) may have been
- D) might be
A: How on earth did the thief get in?
B: He _____ a window.
- A) is able to break
- B) might have been broken
- C) could have broken
- D) had to break
I wish he _____ a little more tactful!
- A) must be
- B) would be
- C) will be
- D) might be
The Government recommended that the housing problem _____ speeded up.
- A) would be
- B) must be
- C) is to be
- D) should be
A: Surely he has woken up.
B: Well, I can hear snoring coming from his room.
A: He _____ then.
- A) can’t wake up
- B) might not wake up
- C) must have woken up
- D) can not have woken up
You cannot wash these curtains. They _____.
- A) to be dry-cleaned
- B) must have been dry-cleaned
- C) have been dry-cleaned
- D) have to be dry-cleaned
The reports _____ by four o’clock because the manager is going to sign them.
- A) must be finished
- B) must finish
- C) should have been finished
- D) had to be finished
I _____ very hard but I do now.
- A) don’t need to work
- B) don’t have to work
- C) didn’t have to work
- D) should have worked
George King ___ filter-tipped cigarettes, but now he smokes cigars.
- A) is used to smoking
- B) was used to smoke
- C) is accustomed to smoking
- D) was accustomed to smoking
“It isn’t necessary for us to leave soon.” means: _____.
- A) We needn’t have left soon.
- B) We didn’t need to leave soon.
- C) We don’t need to leave soon
- D) We have to leave soon
A: I went out last night, and my cold got worse.
B: You _____ at home.
- A) must stay
- B) had better stay
- C) ought to stay
- D) should have stayed
A: The Chinese described flying machines.
B: They _____ tremendous imaginations.
- A) could have
- B) must have
- C) must have had
- D) need to have
A: Do you think they’ll have my size?
B: They _____ have your size.
- A) are used to
- B) should
- C) has to
- D) will have to
If you worked in industry, you _____ the value of money.
- A) had to know
- B) would know
- C) should have known
- D) might have known
His life _____ if he had worn his seat belt.
- A) would be saved
- B) might have saved
- C) could have been saved
- D) may be saved
I _____ go out than be stuck in bed.
- A) had better
- B) should
- C) have to
- D) would rather
I _____ to learn English fluently.
- A) must
- B) have got
- C) should
- D) would rather
A: Is he going to have his operation this month?
B: Well, he _____ have had it this month, but now he is going to have it next month.
- A) was to
- B) will
- C) used to
- D) needs to
A: _____ Barcelona _____ Real Madrid last night?
B: Yes, it could. It has got more skillful players.
- A) could / beat
- B) could / have been beaten
- C) could / have beaten
- D) could / be beaten by
I can’t find my keys. I have a feeling I _____ them in the library.
- A) might leave
- B) must have left
- C) could leave
- D) should have left
My car has been making a strange noise lately. I _____ it to the garage and get it seen to.
- A) had to take
- B) shall have to take
- C) should have taken
- D) was to have taken
Joan suggested that they _____ all go for a walk in the afternoon provided it didn’t keep on raining.
- A) would
- B) could
- C) should
- D) might
You say I _____ a screwdriver. What _____ I _____?
- A) could have used / should / have used
- B) shouldn’t have used / should / have used
- C) might not use / should / be used
- D) mustn’t use / could / have used
He was so unsure of himself that he ______ even buy a box of chocolates without consulting his mother.
- A) wouldn’t
- B) won’t
- C) can’t
- D) might not have
Before his illness he _____ anything but now he _____ very careful with his diet.
- A) could eat / can be
- B) must have eaten / had to be
- C) could eat / has to be
- D) couldn’t eat / has to be
Powerful though they were, they never _____ to challenge the authority of the King.
- A) will have
- B) dared
- C) would have
- D) could’ve been
If those two people _____ leave, the Whole firm would probably collapse.
- A) must
- B) are to
- C) were to
- D) had to
We _____ be late for work. Our boss is very particular about timekeeping.
- A) wouldn’t
- B) weren’t to
- C) daren’t
- D) didn’t used to

Answer Key

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