I. State the meaning of the modal verbs can, may, must.

1. It was our one formal room and I think my mother might have chosen it for its moral effect.

2. Who could have told you that I have sold my car?

3. His daughter has startling intelligence, she can't waste most evenings playing computer games.

4. She has given in her notice. You might have persuaded her to keep this job.

5. The President must have been impeached because of his financial misconduct.

6. If I had saved some money I could help you now.

7. The kitchen is in a mess. I must clean it.

8. His daughter couldn't have bought a car. She doesn't have so much money.

9. He said he might take his mobile phone with him.

10.You can't take time off in this company. There is always lots of work to do here.

Score: 10 points

II. Insert the modal verbs can, may, must and the appropriate form of the infinitive.

1. I am not sure where Gary is. He (to go) to the library.

2. If you wanted to borrow my car, you (to ask) me.

3. That (not to be) Bill's car. He doesn't own one.

4. The man danced very well. He (to spend) hours taking lessons, Jack thought.

5. He looked unusually pale and gloomy. I wondered what (to upset) her.

6. The apples are very good. You (to eat) them all.

7. Perhaps Guy won't be able to go back to London tonight. He (to have to) stay the night at a hotel.

8. I'm going to tell him that he (not to do) any building here.

9. I'm trying to think where he (to go).

10.They (to serve) food now? The plane has just taken off.

Score: 10 points

III. Paraphrase the sentences using the words in bold and the modal verbs can, may, must.

1. Perhaps Jim didn't mention the matter to anyone.

mentioned Jim the matter to anyone.

2. It's necessary for you to ask him to pick his clothes off the floor.

persuade You to pick his clothes off the floor.

3. It's hardly possible that he has gone to America by himself.

not He to America by himself.

4. Tom drives really well now. I am sure he passed his driving test easily.

have Tom his driving test easily.

5. I wonder what it is that you are having behind your back.

be What behind your back?

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Материалы по грамматике, 3 семестр 2 курс з.о.

6. Is it possible that he has been offered the job in a new bank?

have the job in a new bank?

7. In all probability hardly anyone will apply for the job.

is Hardly anyone for the job.

8. Maybe, they didn't take notes of the meeting.

not They notes of the meeting.

9. Evidently, Tom is sleeping, but why don't you go and see.

be Tom , but why don't you go and see.

10. Small children are forbidden to cross the street when they are alone.

not Small children when they are alone.

Score: 10 points

IV. Respond to the following sentences expressing the meanings of the modal verbs given in brackets.

1. Linda should be here by now. (Supposition implying doubt)

2. She drove the car after taking four sleeping pills. (Unreality)

3. I told your friend to leave me in peace but he didn't. (Reproach)

4. I am getting too fat. (Obligation with no freedom of choice)

5. You look very well. (Supposition implying assurance)

6. Tom had a bad car accident on Sunday. (Doubt, astonishment)

7. When I came out of the bank the windows in my car were broken. (Emotional colouring)

8. Nowadays the rooms are very expensive to let. (Possibility due to circumstances)

9. I am cooking a turkey for dinner. (Emphatic advice)

10.I thought it was our secret, but Jane's mother knows all about it as well. (Incredulity, improbability)

Score: 10 points