Fill in the blanks with an appropriate modal auxiliary verb.

1. You …………………….. quit smoking. (should / would) (obligation)

2. She …………………… listen to me. (wouldn’t / shouldn’t / couldn’t) (refusal)

3. If they started at six, they ……………………… be here soon. (would / should / need) (logical conclusion)

4. You …………………….. try too hard to impress others. (need not / do not need) (lack of obligation)

5. How …………………….. you call me names? (dare / will / shall) (challenge)

6. You ………………………. pay for this. (will / can / may) (threat)

7. You ……………………. listen to your inner voice. (should / would / might) (obligation)

8. They ……………………… be here soon. (might / can / shall) (weak possibility)

9. She …………………….. not solve the problem. (could / might / should) (inability)

10. The pain …………………….. go away on its own. (may / should / would) (possibility)

Answers

1. You should quit smoking.

2. She wouldn’t listen to me.

3. If they started at six, they should be here soon.

4. You need not try too hard to impress others.

5. How dare you call me names?

6. You will pay for this.

7. You should listen to your inner voice.

8. They might be here soon.

9. She could not solve the problem.

10. The pain may go away on its own.