Put in ‘can’ / ‘can’t’ / ‘could’ / ‘couldn’t’. If none is possible, use ‘be able to’ in the correct tense:
1. _________________ you swim when you were 10?
2. We _________________ get to the meeting on time yesterday because the train was delayed by one hour.
3. He _________________ arrive at the party on time, even after missing the train, so he was very pleased.
4. He’s amazing, he _________________ speak 5 languages including Chinese.
5. I _________________ drive a car until I was 34, then I moved to the countryside so I had to learn.
6. I looked everywhere for my glasses but I _________________ find them anywhere.
7. I searched for your house for ages, luckily I _________________ find it in the end.
8. She’s 7 years old but she _________________ read yet – her parents are getting her extra lessons.
9. I read the book three times but I _________________ understand it.
10. James _________________ speak Japanese when he lived in Japan, but he’s forgotten most of it now.
Mixed Modals Exercise:
| Q1. | I have no idea about computers, but John ..... help you. | ||
| could | |||
| might be able to | |||
| would | |||
| Q2. | I had some problems repairing the roof by myself, but in the end I ..... do it without help. | ||
| could | |||
| was able to | |||
| Q3. | The cafeteria was full. I ..... find a seat anywhere. | ||
| couldn’t | |||
| wasn’t able to | |||
| Q4. | You ..... told me it was his birthday. I would have bought him a present. | ||
| might have | |||
| must have | |||
| would have | |||
| Q5. | Do you think we ..... take photos in here? | ||
| are allowed to | |||
| may | |||
| Q6. | Don’t call him now. He ..... have got out of bed yet. | ||
| might not | |||
| should not | |||
| would not | |||
| Q7. | It ..... be easy for Mary. Her parents died when she was only 4 years old. | ||
| can’t | |||
| mustn’t | |||
| shouldn’t | |||
| wouldn’t | |||
| Q8. | John’s usually home by now. Where do you think he is? - He ..... late. He has a big project to finish. | ||
| might be working | |||
| might work | |||
| must work | |||
| could work | |||
| Q9. | I ..... remember to buy milk on the way home. | ||
| have to | |||
| must | |||
| Q10. | England are going to win the World Cup. - You ..... be joking! | |
| could | ||
| must | ||
| ought to | ||
| would | ||
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