More Modals Practice

Part 1: Choose the meaning that best represents the meaning of the underlined portion of the sentence.

1. Joe had to exercise early in the morning yesterday because he knew he wouldn’t have time in the afternoon.

1. He needed to exercise and he did.

2. It’s not 100% sure, but he probably exercised.

3. He didn’t exercise even though it was a good idea.

2. Mark should have tried harder.

1. He didn’t try hard enough.

2. He probably tried hard.

3. He needed to try hard, and he did.

3. Lisa had to have missed the bus.

1. It was an obligation.

2. It’s almost certain that she missed the bus.

3. She needed to miss it, but she didn’t.

4. Ron must have worked late last night because he wasn’t at home when I dropped by his house.

1. He probably worked late last night.

2. He needed to work late, but he didn’t.

3. It was an obligation.

5. The child must have been well behaved.

1. His mother told him to behave well.

2. His mother wanted him to behave well, but he did not do so.

3. He was probably well behaved. (His mother looked pleased.)

Part 2: Choose the correct completion for each sentence.

1. The athletes from France did really well in the swimming competition. They trained hard.

1. should have b. must have

2. I just lit this candle! Why isn’t it burning! I guess the wind blown it out.

1. should have b. must have

3. Daniel couldn’t make it to the meeting yesterday because he his brother up from the airport.

1. had to pick b. should have picked

4. Lewis and his friend in the middle of the movie to buy popcorn.

1. had to leave b. should have left

5. They popcorn before the movie started, but they were running late and didn’t have time.

1. had to buy b. should have bought

6. You all day Saturday; your boss gave you an extension on the deadline for that project.

1. must not have worked b. didn’t have to

7. Susan how her gossip would affect those around her. Unfortunately, she didn’t, and several people were hurt.

1. had to consider b. should have considered c. must have considered

8. The students very hard for the exam because they all failed.

1. must not have studied b. didn’t have to study c. should not have studied

9. Sorry about telling you this bad news right before your big interview. I .

1. must have waited b. had to wait c. should have waited