This set of English Grammar Exercises (MCQs) focuses on “Auxiliary and Modal Verbs – Set 2”.
1. Fill in the blank with a suitable auxiliary verb.
The door ______ opened.
a) has
b) have
c) can
d) was
View Answer
Explanation: Among the options both ‘was’ and ‘have’ are auxiliary verbs. The sentence is in passive voice and hence the option ‘was’ will be the best fit. The other option ‘can’ is a modal verb.
2. Which of the following is an Auxiliary verb?
a) ought
b) shall
c) be
d) can
View Answer
Explanation: The verb ‘be’ is an auxiliary verb whereas the other options are modal verbs. Examples for other auxiliary verbs are ‘am’, ‘is’, ‘was’, ‘have’ and ‘do’.
3. Use a suitable modal verb to fill in the blank.
________ you solve this problem?
a) May
b) Can
c) Have
d) Do
View Answer
Explanation: The given sentence refers to an ability and thus for such cases, the modal verb ‘can’ should be used. The options ‘have’ and ‘do’ are auxiliary verbs.
4. Which of the following sentences is wrong in terms of its usage of auxiliary and modal verbs?
a) You should be punctual to classes
b) I wish you would have told me
c) Would you please help me with this chapter?
d) Living in such a humid place ought to be difficult
View Answer
Explanation: The modal verb ‘ought to’ must be used for expressing moral obligation or probability. Thus, that sentence should be rephrased as ‘Living in such a humid place must be difficult’.
5. Identify the sentence that uses an auxiliary verb.
a) Can you teach me this subject?
b) I thought he might refuse the offer
c) You do look sick
d) Would you like a cup of tea?
View Answer
Explanation: The sentence ‘You do look sick’ has the auxiliary verb ‘do’. The other sentences use modal verbs such as ‘can’, ‘might’ and ‘would’.
6. Identify the right option to fill in the blank.
He ______ not play with my toys again.
a) can
b) will
c) do
d) shall
View Answer
Explanation: The question expresses a command of not to play with toys ever again. Thus, the modal verb ‘shall’ must be used in such cases.
7. Modal verbs are used before ordinary verbs to express meanings such as permission, possibility and certainty.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Can, could, may, might, must, will, would, shall, should, ought’ are the modal verbs used generally for the purpose of expressing permission, possibility and certainty.
8. Which of the following options is suitable for the blank?
Sai _______ talk about nothing but football.
a) shall
b) will
c) can
d) may
View Answer
Explanation: All the given options are modal verbs. The given sentence expresses a characteristic habit of Sai and thus the modal verb ‘will’ is the best fit for the blank.
9. Select the sentence in which the modal or auxiliary verb is used appropriately.
a) You ought to clear your debts
b) He said I should use his PS4 at any time
c) Should you show me the way to the mall
d) I ought to be a hater of football, but now I love it
View Answer
Explanation: The rephrased sentences with appropriate verbs are ‘He said I might use his PS4 at any time’, ‘Could you show me the way to the mall’ and ‘I used to be a hater of football, but now I love it’.
10. Among the sentences given below, select the one which uses a modal verb.
a) He has been playing
b) We are to be married tomorrow
c) Suraj has worked in a similar field
d) Where shall we go?
View Answer
Explanation: The modal verb ‘shall’ is present in the sentence ‘Where shall we go?’ to ask for a suggestion. The other sentences use, auxiliary verbs.
11. Use a suitable verb for the blank from the options below.
Youngsters ________ obey the traffic rules and regulations.
a) could
b) might
c) should
d) can
View Answer
Explanation: Obeying traffic rules and regulations is a obligation for youngsters. In such circumstances the modal verb ‘should’ is used.
12. For expressing possibility in affirmative sentences, which of the following verbs can be used?
a) may
b) shall
c) have
d) be
View Answer
Explanation: Modal verbs should be used in such cases an among the options ‘may’ and ‘shall’ are the only modal verbs. ‘May’ is the suitable verb for such cases. For example, ‘It may rain today’.
13. Choose the right option for the blank.
Mother said I __________ go.
a) may
b) shall
c) could
d) would
View Answer
Explanation: The given sentence refers to a permission. Thus, the past equivalent of ‘can’ or ‘may’ could be used. So, the correct answer is ‘could’.
14. For expressing a past habit, the modal verb that could be used is _______
a) need to
b) used to
c) ought to
d) would
View Answer
Explanation: ‘Used to’ is the appropriate verb for such circumstances. Consider the sentence ‘He used to play cricket vigorously’.
15. Select the right option to fill in the blank.
I promise I ________ try to do better next time.
a) can
b) will
c) shall
d) must
View Answer
Explanation: The above sentence needs a modal verb to express Volition. Thus, the appropriate one among the options would be ‘will’.
To practice all topics of English Grammar, here is complete set of 5000+ Questions and Answers.
If you find a mistake in question / option / answer, kindly take a screenshot and email to [email protected]
