Modals MCQ Test With Answers – Online Quiz

To guess about an action happening right now, use might be + -ing: She might be playing in the kitchen. Not might have played, which is a guess about the past.

This is a mixed conditional: a past condition (If I had left early) with a present result (now). The present result uses would(n't) + infinitive: I wouldn't be sitting here now.

In a third conditional (If I'd gone…), the result clause uses would/could/might have + past participle. Could have taken means it was possible, but it didn't happen. Had taken is wrong, because the result clause needs a modal.

The sentence simply states a past fact that contrasts with her promise (but): she wasn't here when we arrived. The past simple is all we need, and no modal is required.

The speaker is guessing who called, so a modal of possibility is needed: It could easily be your friend, meaning it is quite possible. Not should have been, which is about duty or expectation, not a guess.

Should have + past participle expresses regret about the past: it was a good idea, but I didn't do it. The clue is I wish I'd never set foot there: I should have phoned her instead.

Must have + past participle is a confident conclusion about the past. The clue is These aren't my books, so the speaker concludes: I must have taken someone else's books.

Needn't have + past participle means someone did something that was not necessary. You did the dishes, but it wasn't necessary: You needn't have bothered. Not mustn't, which means it is not allowed.

In a third conditional (if you had lent me), the result uses would/could/might have + past participle for something that didn't happen. Might have bought means it was a possible result. May have is normally used for guesses about real past events, not for unreal conditions.

Ought to have + past participle (like should have) criticises a past action that didn't happen. The clue is Why didn't you? Not must have, which would mean you surely did bring them.

Must have + past participle is a logical conclusion about the past based on evidence. The CD was on the table and now it's gone, so Garry must have returned it. Ought to have would mean he was supposed to but didn't.

Could have + past participle talks about past ability or possibility. No one else could have done it better means nobody would have been able to do it better.

Would like to have + past participle expresses a wish about the past that didn't come true. The clue is but unfortunately I was down with the flu, so I didn't go.

Should have + past participle expresses regret: following your advice was the right thing, but I didn't do it. Not must have, which is a conclusion that something surely happened.

Needn't have + past participle means we did something that turned out to be unnecessary. We hurried, but we are early. The second gap needs the present simple for a timetabled event: before the performance begins.

In reported speech, will becomes would. They said, We will follow you wherever you go, which becomes they would follow him wherever he went. It is a promise, not advice (had better) or duty (ought to).

Must have + past participle is a confident guess that something has already happened. The clue is by now: She must have read my letter by now. Should or has to + read would refer to the present or future, not to a finished action.

Should can express what we expect or think is likely in the future: The final should be really fascinating. Had better gives advice or a warning, so it doesn't fit here.

Must be + -ing is a confident guess about something happening now. They haven't come back yet, so the speaker concludes: they must be having a great time there.

Needn't have + past participle means you did something, but it wasn't necessary. The clue is It wasn't really necessary. Not can't have, which means it is impossible that you did it.