Archive for March, 2010

Rewrite Using Modal Auxiliaries

March 9th, 2010 in English Grammar, English Learning

Rewrite the following sentences using a modal auxiliary verb.

1.    Possibly she isn’t John’s sister.
2.    Perhaps we will go on a pilgrimage next month.
3.    She was able to read when she was two.
4.    It is not necessary for you to pay the bill.
5.    I am certain that they have already left.
6.    I was in the habit of going for a walk every morning when I was in Singapore.
7.    It is probable that he will pass his driving test easily.
8.    Perhaps he forgot to bring the book.
9.    Nobody answered the phone; perhaps they have gone out.
10.    I am certain that he is over sixty.
11.    It was not necessary for them to buy a new car but they bought it.
12.    It was not necessary for them to buy a new car and they didn’t buy it.

Answers

1.    She may not be John’s sister.
2.    We may go on a pilgrimage next month.
3.    She could read when she was just two.
4.    You need not pay the bill.
5.    They must have already left.
6.    I used to go for a walk every morning when I was in Singapore.
7.    He may pass his driving test easily.
8.    He may/ might have forgotten to bring the book.
9.    Nobody answered the phone; they must have gone out.
10.    He must be over sixty.
11.    They need not have bought a new car.
12.    They didn’t need to buy a new car.