Page 155 - English Grammar - IX-X

IV. Choose the correct modal from brackets and fill in the blanks.

1. He can speak in English, but he hasn’t learnt Spanish. (must / can)
2. The students need not take their backpacks. It is only a short trip. (need / could)

3. Who is that man over there? He may be the one you are waiting for. (can’t / might)
4. He may have a lot of work, but that’s no excuse for failing to meet
the deadline. (should / may)

5. Sorry, I can’t stay any longer. I have to go. (have to / may)

V. Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal.
1. On Saturdays, we may go to the school in an informal dress.
2. I can play the guitar, but I cannot play the tabla.

3. I had to stay back last evening for an important teleconference.
4. You may use calculators but not cell phones. In fact, you must not carry cell phones
into the examination hall.
5. When do you have to report for work?

6. You must not wash that sweater. It has to be dry cleaned.
7. You ought not to offend people with your outspoken comments.
8. May you be blessed with a long life!

VI. Complete the following conversations using appropriate modals.

1. Disha: Can I borrow your bicycle for a while?
Misha: Sure, you can use it as long as you like.
2. Student: May I close the window? The noise is disturbing me.

Teacher: Yes, you may.
3. Jayanti: Could I talk to the bank manager for a while?

Receptionist: Yes, you can.
4. Waiter: What would you like to have, Sir?
Vikas: I would like a bowl of tomato soup, please.

5. Hiten: What shall we do this evening?
Tanmay: We could play a game of scrabble or go out fishing.

6. Rihan: When you go to Paris next month, you could stay with Julia.
Parul: Yes, I suppose I could.

153