MODAL VERBS

Modal verbs are so called because they express the modality of evaluating a situation by different people.

Peter: He may know everything about you.

Helen: He can know everything about you.

James: He should know everything about you.

Ann: He must know everything about you, and so on.

They are also known as specific, defective or anomalous verbs because they do not behave like the rest of lexical or auxiliary verbs. They have certain specific characteristics:

negative and interrogative are formed by adding not after the modal or by inversion of modal with subject, e.g.

You may not come tomorrow unaccompanied;

Can you swim to that rock?

they do not get -s in the third person singular, present tense, e.g.

He might know all the answers.

modal verbs are always followed by infinitive forms without to (except ought), e.g.

He must go there at once. (Simple infinitive)

She could have drowned if she hadn't known how to swim. (Perfect infinitive)

They may be listening to the concert. (Progressive infinitive)

They should have been working when their boss announced his arrival. (Perfect progressive infinitive)

It can be done on time. (Passive infinitive)

They might have been told the whole truth. (Perfect passive infinitive)

modal verbs do not have forms for all tenses. Instead they use some equivalent expressions like be able to (for can), have to (for must), be allowed/permitted to (for may). Must and have to are not perfect synonyms in the present tense as the former implies internal obligation while the latter external obligation. Other constructions with modal meanings are: used to (would), be to, be due to/at, be supposed to, managed to, be bound to, had better.

You must study hard if you want to pass the exams.

You have to study harder if you want to please your parents.

modal verbs refer to present or future actions when they are followed by (present) infinitive and to past actions when they are followed by perfect infinitive, e.g.

You can come tomorrow any time.

You can't have come by train; there was none at that time.

the past forms could, might, would and should do not always refer to past time. They are usually used to suggest greater uncertainty, tentative attitude or polite requests. The first three are used to refer to past time when they are followed by present infinitive.

You could be right. (I'm not so sure)

It might give us a lift. (Tentative attitude)

Could you pass me the pepper? (Polite request)

Thomas could play the piano when he was a child. (Past time)

EXERCISES

Elementary and intermediate

Shall and will are generally used to form the neutral future in English. Some future actions are nevertheless the result of our intention, determination, promise or willingness, thus these auxiliaries have additional implications. When we are almost sure something will happen, we use will and shall. We use only will to ask for predictions and shall to make polite offers:

He will be living with his parents now he's got divorced.

I will do it no matter what.

Shall I pour you some more wine?

Shall with the 2^nd and 3^rd persons means promise and in the negative prohibition. When stressed shall also means obligation.

He shall get the cake if he finishes his homework.

You shall not come into the room with these dirty boots.

You shall do everything your mother asks from you.

Will when used with all persons, expresses intention and willingness in the affirmative and refusal in the negative.

I will carry it for you.

He won't listen to you unless you are reasonable.

Use shall or will in the following sentences:

She wonders whether he .ever return to her after the terrible fight they had last night.

He promised you .have that bicycle, so be a good boy, at least until you get it.

Nobody .open this box when I am not here.

You .go to the seaside if you win the contest.

You . not leave the hall until the lecture has finished.

He .not allow his children to answer him back.

.you lend me your car? You .have it back without any damage, I promise.

I .come to your party on one condition.

She .not dare say such an awful thing.

I .change school next year because of my father's job.

I .sing with you if you need accompaniment.

Frieda's parents insist that she .come home early tonight.

Even if everybody has told him he is not right, he .blame Mary for what has happened.

I'm afraid you .not like what mother has bought you for your birthday.

I .be happy to be your wife.

All liars .be punished.

Students .go when they have finished their project.

.you tell her the news or .I?

If you .bring the wine, I .bring the cakes.

The principal .not accept such behaviour

Whenever you are so persuasive you .get more than you bargain for.

You .not have any more of this cake; you're so fat already.

They .have another board meeting next month.

I .repeat it louder if you wish.

I'm not sure I .see much of you next year if you go abroad.

Use shall or will in the following sentences:

.we have a walk in the afternoon?

Let me help you with your suitcase, .?

.please, let him go at once?

Turn on the TV, .you? It's something on I'd like to watch.

.I bring you the latest art catalogue?

.we invite our in-laws to the house-warming party?

Let's buy tickets for the ballet performance, .we?

Please, cut the grass in the yard, .you?

.I phone him again in the morning?

Let's have a glass of champagne, .we?

.you come earlier next time, please?

Please, help yourself to some more coffee, .you?

.I tell her the whole truth about her husband's affair?

Please, turn off the light when you leave the room, .you?

.we go away to Hawaii this summer?

Pass me the vinegar, .you?

Let me open the door for you, .you?

.you let us know about your progress, please?

Let's read another book, .we? This is too boring.

Don't let him go while he's still angry, .you?

Can and could refer to the ability of doing something, not to the real performance of the action. When the activity was actually achieved we use be able to. Can + be + adjective or noun is used to talk about possibility.

Write the correct form of can, could or be able to in the following sentences.

She is very skilled for her age. She .(play) five instruments. (can)

I'd like .(go) on trip round the world. (to be able)

He .(get into) the dark house: he was too frightened.

If mother hadn't warned the little boy of the possible danger, he.(drown).

He prefers .(spend) the morning reading the newspaper.

We .(buy) that piece of old furniture if it hasn't been sold.

The best time to visit Greece is in the spring: it .(be) very hot in the summer.

Nobody .(understand) what he was talking about.

He always loses his glasses although he .(not see) very well without them.

.(work) on the computer helps you get a better job.

My younger son .(not walk) until he was almost two years old.

Her family .(not phone her up) as she had changed the phone number, but they .(get) a message from her.

Leslie lost the match. She .(do) better.

Mother .(not cook) my favourite dish. She has lost the recipe.

We tried to cheer him up but he .(not put) that bad memory out of his mind.

You should .(reply) when you feel like it.

.(you join) the golf club?

Little Tommy .(ride) the bicycle soon as he is doing a lot of practice.

He is careless with his wife. He .(do) more to help her.

Grandfather .(play) chess pretty well when he was young.

Can has the meaning of ability or capacity and has the form of could for the past. Can also means permission and possibility.

Change the following sentences into the past, using was able when it means ability and could when it means permission.

He can go out with his friends (whenever his wife let him).

Mother says I can date James (if father agreed too).

Leslie can write good poetry (when she really wanted0.

They can see the Cliffs of Dover (after the fog rose).

Sue can sing very well (before she was operated on).

Paul can walk quite well (when was less than a year).

Your friend can come to the party (if he promised not to get drunk).

Mrs. Jones says they can speak in a loud voice (in the hall of the library).

The parents say they can get married (when they became of age).

He cannot run so quickly (because he was so fat).

The children can play in the garden (after they have done the work).

You can't go inside (because there was a meeting going on).

She can't talk to him (because she had lost his phone number).

They can buy anything (now they won the jackpot).

The teacher says we can home (as we finished our homework).

Could does not mean achievement in the face of difficulties, but means possessed the ability. Managed to is used instead.

Change the following sentences into the affirmative using managed to. The first has been done for you.

My little sister couldn't reach the shelf, as she is too short. (in spite of being too short)

My little sister managed to reach the shelf in spite of being too short.

They couldn't fight their enemies as they were badly equipped. (although badly equipped)

I couldn't go to the party because of the short notice. (in spite of the short notice)

He couldn't join the trip because he hadn't got enough money. (although he hadn't got enough money)

The student couldn't get through his exams because he hadn't studied hard. (although he hadn't studied hard)

She couldn't remember everything because of her poor memory. (in spite of her poor memory)

They couldn't attend the lecture, as they couldn't find a babysitter. (although they couldn't find a babysitter)

Mary couldn't sing properly because of a sore throat. (in spite of a sore throat)

My friend couldn't buy a new car because he had few savings. (although he had few savings)

The company couldn't buy many shares, as the price was too high. (although the price was too high)

They couldn't ski last holiday because the snow was too thin. (although the snow was too thin)

Helen couldn't talk to the stranger, as she doesn't speak any foreign language. (in spite of her not knowing a foreign language)

They couldn't find the lost treasure, as it was lying too deep on the seabed. (although it was lying too deep on the seabed)

The actors couldn't perform last night as there few spectators. (in spite of the few spectators)

They couldn't get to the high official because of the corrupted junior clerks. (in spite of the corrupted junior clerks)

My grandparents couldn't go on that trip because of their low pensions. (in spite of their low pension)

The bride and bridegroom couldn't afford a trip in a coach because of the heavy rain. (in spite of the heavy rain)

John couldn't marry Jessica because of his bad reputation. (in spite of his bad reputation)

The teacher couldn't teach the new lesson because of the noise in the classroom. (in spite of the noise in the classroom)

Laura couldn't get on the bus because it was so crowded. (although the bus because it was so crowded)

Can, could, may, might, must, will, should and ought to are used to refer to certainty, possibility or inference. Can and may show possibility at any time. May and might refer to a future possibility. Could refers to a theoretical possibility. Inference about something in the present is made with must (positive deduction) and can't (negative deduction) followed by present infinitive and about past followed by perfect infinitive. Assumptions are expressed with should and ought to.

Complete the sentences with can, could, may, might, will, should, ought to, must and an appropriate form of the infinitive.

The Professor hasn't come yet. He .(forget) about the lecture.

All foreign currency .(be exchanged) at any travel agency in our town.

Nobody's answered the bell so they .(go) out.

You'd better not phone them. They .(be) having lunch.

It .(be) Paul you saw at the restaurant. He's already left for Africa.

I haven't seen my neighbour today. I think he . (be) ill, but I'm not so sure.

She has been training for more than six months for this competition so she .(do) well.

Look! Another crash on the road. Let's see the passengers; they .(be) injured.

She .(not still skate): it's too warm outside.

The results were announced two days ago, so Mark .(get) them by now.

Many wrecks .(be found) on the ocean bed.

They've not been at ease since they moved here. They .(miss) the sunny countryside they left.

He .(make) you an offer for his newly set up business.

There .(be) the building we're looking for. It matches the description.

We've booked a package holiday with all the facilities so we .(have) a good time.

Do you think John .(be) a good manager? No, he.He .(not have) the courage to take responsibility.

Sheila was so nervous because I suppose, she .(give) account of the money she had spent.

These children .(be) our neighbours they take after their parents so well.

It .(snow) heavily during the night; everything is white.

I .(go in for) the final exam but I'm not sure yet.

He told us all his encounter with the ghost. He .(be) terrified.

She was told about the accident so she .(expect) a misfortune.

They've predicted an earthquake soon so it .(happen) in less than a week.

You .(meet) my brother; he's not in yet.

I couldn't sleep all night; it .(be) because of the rain or I .(have) insomnia.

Should, ought to, must, have (got) to, and need express advice, obligation and necessity. Should is more frequently used when giving advice. Strong advice and recommendation is given with must. Should/ought to + perfect infinitive criticize past actions, implying that not the right thing was done. Obligation is expressed with must, mustn't and have to. Need, mostly used in the negative as a modal verb, expresses lack of necessity together with don't need to, don't have to, haven't got to. Authority is given by needn't (Teacher to students: You needn't do any homework for tomorrow.) Needn't have + past participle expresses lack of necessity in the past but the action being performed though. Didn't have/need to + infinitive expresses lack of necessity in the past and the action not done. (I needn't have gone there; it was closed when I arrived. I didn't have/need to go there, as I knew it would be closed.)

Complete the sentences using the modals should, ought to, must, need, or have to in the correct form. Use the required form of the infinitive.

They .(take) a taxi last night because their car was still being serviced.

I don't think you .(tell) him the whole story as his wife was involved too.

They .(buy) new ones as the old items are still in good shape.

Mary has been studying in the city library so she .(use) your books.

We .(get together) one evening for a game of cards.

Tom .(talk) louder as there were loads of people in the conference hall.

You .(burn) the midnight oil. That's why you are sleepy all the time.

Why .the windows .(be opened) all day long?

You .(make up) now as the guests are ringing the bell. You'd better hurry up.

He .(do) this to Ann. She'll be forever angry with him.

Harry .(be allowed) to stay out so late. He's still a young teenager.

Janet hates .(do) everything her teacher tells her to do.

You .(go) to the latest film that's on at Patria. It's the best I've seen so far.

Mike .(wash up) as his maid does it three times a week.

If Granny fails the driving test this time, she .(take) the last chance next month.

You .(write) when I came into the classroom, not playing with the chalk.

I .(take) a week off if I were you. It's too much work for one person.

Liz found her old watch after all so she .(buy) a new one.

He .(phone) his old parents every morning, to make sure they're ok.

Students .(use) mobile phones in the lecture hall; it's against the regulations.

You .(dress up) for the party; it's just between old friends.

The present .(put away) until her anniversary. She .(know) about it.

.(you/sign) a register when you get to work or .(you/use) a card?

I know the whole truth about his evil deeds, so you .(not make up) stories.

Students .(comply with) the campus regulations.

Can, could, may, might, would, must, shall, and would you mind express offers, suggestions, permission, and requests. Can and could are informal, used in everyday talk, while may, might, would, would you mind are used to make polite or formal requests. When giving or refusing permission, we use can, can't, may, may not, must, mustn't, and so on.

Complete the following sentences with can, could, may, might, would, must, shall, and would you mind:

.I open the window for you?

.answer the door bell, please? I'm busy at the moment.

.you like to go for a walk and take my dog with you?

.I help you with the luggage?

.I see Dr. Tomlinson this afternoon, please?

You .help yourself to some more coffee, if you want to.

.we play chess, if you have nothing else to do?

.wait here for the manager, please? He's still in a meeting.

You .go out with your friends but .be home before dark.

.if I use your calculator?

You .work at home if you've got a computer.

.I cook the dinner if you feel tired?

.look in your photo album, please?

.we have a pizza tonight?

.I ask you a question, please?

Need and dare have both a regular and modal form in the interrogative and negative. Don't need is generally used when there is lack of necessity, and needn't when the speaker gives the authority for not doing something:

We don't need a visa any more to travel in Schengen countries.

Employer to employee: You needn't stay longer tonight if you have finished your task.

Rewrite the following sentences using need and dare in their modal forms. The first one has been done for you:

He doesn't need to phone her.

He needn't phone her.

He doesn't dare to answer his mother back.

Do you need to be so late every time you are invited to her parties?

Does she dare to show her father her new mini skirt?

Do I need to tell you where I've been?

Why don't you dare to buy a motorbike?

Does she need to bring her CV with her?

She doesn't need to plant new roses this year, does she?

My family don't need to rent a house at the seaside; they have one of their own.

We don't need to repeat the whole story, do we?

I bet you don't dare to tell him he's so stupid.

He doesn't need to cross the bridge to her house.

She doesn't dare to tell her husband about the damaged car.

How do they dare to come here without an invitation?

Jeremy doesn't need to ring the bell when he comes; he has got a key.

I don't need to tell you how happy I am about your success.

She doesn't dare to make faces when she is invited to dinner by the Nicholsons.

My uncle doesn't need to repair his house yet; it's still in good condition.

Tell the children that they don't need to keep quiet any longer.

They don't dare to travel by plane after September 11.

Write need, needn't or don't need in the following sentences:

The principal says we .wear a uniform when we go on the trip next weekend.

.have a visa to travel in Germany?

He has told them that they .to go there at once. (positive)

They .take any diving kit - they can rent one on the spot.

.I .repeat you my address or can you remember it?

His aunt says he . visit her today at the hospital. (negative)

You .more practice to get better results. (positive)

The secretary can have a break; she .write any more letters this afternoon.

He .be told what to do; he knows the club's regulations.

You .tell me more; I know the rest of the story.

Must expresses either necessity or obligation. The absence of necessity is expressed by needn't. Mustn't expresses an interdiction or an obligation not to do something.

We needn't read the whole book.

We mustn't cross the street when the light is red.

Answer the following questions in the negative. Use short answers.

Must I leave now?

Must you mock at your grandparents?

Must he open all the windows?

Must she write everything down?

Must you come in with dirty boots?

Must you answer back to your parents?

Must I wear the uniform at the reception ball?

Must you shout at your teachers?

Must you cross the street when the light is red?

Must we come earlier to the meeting?

Must we catch the 9.30 train to get there in time?

Must they buy all that junk food from the shop on the corner?

Must a pupil skip do his homework?

Must we go by ship to Australia?

Must they take all their original papers to the interview?

Must you cry over spilt milk?

Must the students play cards in the classroom?

Must she talk so loud in the concert hall?

Must I eat this slice of cake?

Must I buy a new computer now?

Must can also have the meaning of inference or deduction from real evidence. When we are almost sure that something is true we use must, when we are almost sure something is not true, we use can't. If we refer to the past, must and can't are followed by perfect infinitive:

That's the address. They must be living here.

You can't have met my sister. I don't have one.

Rewrite the following sentences using must or can't:

I suppose you are the new teacher.

You must be the new teacher.

I don't think they have already got there.

Surely he was giving the lecture instead of Professor Brown.

My neighbour has not gone away. She doesn't have enough money for a holiday.

I think there is a good place for camping around here.

He is supposed to have written all those dirty words on the fence of the school.

I think you are out of your mind to ask her to marry you.

You have no right to do that to your relatives.

She thinks she was dreaming when she heard his voice on the phone.

It isn't the same restaurant; the food was awful there.

I should think Peter knows everything about his fianc.

It isn't Cathy you saw; she is miles away from here.

I think they have a new babysitter, since their children are not alone any more.

Surely you have heard the news; Helen is spreading it everywhere.

I wonder who left the message; it wasn't Ruth for she left the town early.

That carpet is from the Middle East; I think it's very expensive.

He says he is interested in our project; otherwise he wouldn't be here all day.

Don't go into the water; I should think there are a lot of jellyfish.

I don't think that is Sue; she is too short.

He hasn't received the results yet, although the deadline has passed; I think he's very furious.

Perhaps he spoke to your foreign guest. I don't think so, as he doesn't speak French.

I think he is a good actor, as he has been cast in this important film.

He told me they would come by the 4.30 train. I think they have arrived now.

James failed his last exam. I suppose he didn't study enough.

Why is she staring at us? I think she doesn't understand what we're talking about.

We use needn't have + past participle and didn't need/have to + infinitive to express the absence of necessity in the past. In the first case the action was performed, in the second it was not performed, or the context tells us if it actually happened.

He needn't have gone there; everybody had already left.

He didn't have to go there as everybody was coming here.

I didn't have to tell her.

Write didn't need/have to or needn't have in the following sentences, according to the meaning:

I.(buy) a new one, but I don't regret now.

I.(go) to the office, as my boss had given me a day off.

You .(tell) her the bad news; she's very sensitive and could have had a breakdown.

They .(write) to their parents; they phoned them.

I .(borrow) money from the bank if I knew you could have helped me.

He .(go) skiing, as he wasn't trained enough; now he's got a broken leg.

He .(argue) with his parents; now he's lost everything.

Mary .(dress up) for the party; it was a casual one.

Their friends .(come) at such short notice; nobody was pleased.

He .(take) the train here; his car had been serviced just on time.

You .(bring) the children with you; look how noisy they are.

You .(wake) him up; he was already dressed for the journey.

You .(buy) any more flowers; there are loads of them in the garden.

Mother .(tell) me what to do; everything was ready when she got home.

Tom .(change) trains; his was a through one.

You .(wait) for her; she is never in time.

I .(meet) him in town; he came to take from home.

You .(ring) the bell; the door was open.

She .(go) to the seaside, as she was already tanned.

They .(dig) so deep as they didn't find any buried treasure.

I .(take) my winter coat as the weather forecast announced a nice and sunny spell.

They .(translate) the text as everybody knew the language.

You .(shout) at us; now everybody has got a wrong impression of you.

They .(buy) such a fierce dog as the neighbourhood is very safe.

We .(take) the skis with us as there was not a spot of snow in the mountains.

Would is used for hypothetical situations after phrases such as If only, I wish, we wish, he wishes, and so on, when the fulfillment depends on another person.

I wish you would behave yourself.

She wishes he would say 'yes' any time she asks something from him.

If only he would speak louder.

Change the following examples using would after the expression given above:

Mother would like her children be more careful with the things in the house.

I would like you not to be late to classes.

Maisie would like John to marry her.

The teacher hopes his students will study harder for their exams.

The students would like their teachers to be less demanding.

The policeman would like drivers to obey more the traffic rules.

I would like everybody to be more cheerful at my party.

The doctor would like his patients to take all the drugs he prescribes.

The doorman would like patrons to be more attentive with him.

Miss Jones hopes her husband to be will do what she will wish.

Wouldn't you like your fellow workers be more polite with you?

He hopes some day the noise will be lessened in their street.

My children hope it will snow more this winter.

His neighbour would like them to keep quiet at night.

I would prefer her not to gossip all the time.

Have is used with another verb stem (as a noun object) to form a common construction in spoken English. For example,

I walked yesterday.

I had a walk yesterday.

In the first sentence the action is specific and performed only once, while in the second sentence the meaning is vaguer, implying walking all the time yesterday or several times.

Change the following sentences from a general to a specific meaning using the construction with have.

Tom rode on the bicycle with his friends in the park.

I told Mary she needed to wash.

My parents generally rest in the afternoon.

I've cooked something special; please taste it and tell me if you like it.

After I have looked at your designs I could tell you what I think.

It's encouraging they haven't quarreled for a week.

He wanted to try playing table tennis.

When you feel rather tired, it's better to lie down.

It's such a wonderful day that it would be nice to sail on this smooth water.

My friend wanted to smoke when he visited his in-laws but smoking was forbidden there.

They told me they hadn't drunk such old wine before.

Shall we walk or take the bus?

As soon as the coach didn't look they sat down.

I know them too well, so they'll fight as soon as they meet.

We usually sleep after getting home from work.

Father let me know he wanted to talk to me about my last exams.

Let's swim first and then go home.

He says he'll go to the disco and dance with his girlfriend all night long.

It was too cold to bathe so they preferred to play chess.

If this novel is good, I must run through it as soon as I can.

Have and get are also used in a causative sense, that is the subject of the sentence is not the doer of the action as well; he only causes the action of the predicate to take place. They are used in the construction S + have/get + noun/pronoun object + past participle, in their passive form:

I had my roof tiled a year ago. ('I paid some workers and did the roof my house.')

Have is also used when something unfortunate happens:

While on holiday, Tom had his house burgled.

Get is used when something must be done, is done in the end, in imperatives and commands, or when it can be replaced with be (get/be married, get/be hurt, get/be arrested, get/be dressed, etc.)

You must get your house painted.

I got my car serviced eventually.

Get you hair cut.

Mike and Jennifer got/were married last August.

Change the following sentences into the passive form, using the construction above.

I am going to have the hairdresser do my hair.

He is arranging for a plumber to install central heating.

The tree cast a large shadow on our vegetable garden so we had to pay someone to cut it down.

She made an appointment with her lawyer to change her will.

The authorities urged people to arrange for the doing up of the houses.

They became man and wife last March.

You should ask someone to tidy your courtyard.

Nobody would ever have beaten the chess champion if he hadn't been ill.

Leave your car in the car park if you don't want the police to tow it away.

10. They were decided to get someone paint the woodwork.

11. Paula decided to have the doctor operate on her sick child.

12. Have you ever had someone repair your tape recorder?

13. The Council are having someone to mend the roads at last.

14. If I were you I'd have someone take in the coat a little bit. It's too large for you.

15.Can't they get anyone to write the minutes of the meeting?

You really must get someone test your son before he gets in for the exam.

It is about time he got someone to wash his car.

We were thinking of arranging for someone to put up a new fence around the house.

They are getting to hire someone to do the translation.

He should have asked someone to repair his shoes.

Upper intermediate

Other meanings of modal verbs:

- Should can express expectation, recommendation, criticism, uncertainty. It is also used with verbs of thinking and after expressions like it is funny/odd/strange:

He should know for the exam as he has studied so much.

Guests should check out before noon.

You shouldn't be late for school.

Should I phone him before I go to his place?

I should think the road will be open by the end of the month.

It's odd that you and I should be here at this time of the year.

- Could is used with comparative adjectives to express possibility or impossibility:

He couldn't have been more sympathizing.

- May can express concession, and is used in phrases like may/might as well (showing lack of enthusiasm), and try as I may/might:

He may be your boyfriend, but he's too rude with you.

There is nothing interesting here; we may as well go home.

Try as I might, I couldn't open the suitcase.

Would can refer to annoying habits, which are typical of a person, and after phrases like it's doubtful/unlikely to express tentativeness:

Jack would forget his books at home.

It's unlikely that Mary would tell the true version of the story.

Had better (not) expresses advice in a specific situation and carries a hint of threat, warning or urgency:

Yo    u'd better lock your door and windows before you go to bed.

Be bound to implies a future prediction of certainty.

Peter is bound to win the contest.

Rewrite the sentences, beginning as shown, so that the meaning stays the same.

1. I suppose Jim has already left school.

I should ................

2. I'm sure he'll buy you a nice present.

He is .................

3. If I were you I wouldn't marry that Johnson girl.

I think ................

4. It's typical of Susan to make a blunder each time    she opens her mouth.

Susan .................

5. Although he's a clever guy, he sometimes behaves foolishly.

He ...................

6. You should tidy your room before mother gets back.

You had ..................

7. I can't believe we are wearing the same outfit.

It's strange ................

8. George keeps phoning me late at night.

George ..................

9. Perhaps they didn't notice how heavily it rained when they went out.

They ...................

10. Paul was very happy when he got that job.

Paul ...................

11. He has no idea what the film is about.

He can't have ................

12. She wears glasses when she reads.

Her sight can't ..............

13. You don't know me but we met a year ago at the seaside.

You won't .................

14. The principal wanted all students in school to wear uniforms.

The principal decided that ..........

15. It was none of your business to tell your mother about our discussion.

You ..................

Fill each of the gaps in these sentences with an appropriate word or phrase.

They say there's a possibility that the meeting .put off.

We .in touch in case something shows up later.

You .be right, but I still don't believe you.

I've found who broke the vase; I .have thought it was George.

You .told me the naked truth; I wouldn't have said such nonsense.

We .so many cakes; not all the people invited showed up at the party.

This room stinks; someone .. smoking in here.

We .the village; there is still a lot to go.

You..not speak so loud, the baby's still asleep.

We .on a trip instead of staying in doors.

They .before, as they knew each other's names.

Try .I couldn't open the door of the garage.

He .quick, otherwise he'll miss the plane.

She .to be here on time; she never misses such reunions.

You .for a long time: you're out of breath.

Finish the following sentences without changing the meaning of the sentences printed before them.

Let's write him a birthday card.

Shall...................

I'm sure he didn't know what had happened while he was away.

He....................

Shall we bring red wine, too?

Would...................

It is unlikely that it will snow in April.

There .................

It is not allowed to get in the theatre hall with your coats on.

You ...................

Is it possible that he will win the competition?

Is he....................

They couldn't understand what was presented because of the whispering of their neighbours

The whispering .............

Perhaps they misunderstood your message.

They ..................

I think she left the suitcase on the platform.

She ....................

He should have let us know he would come a day later.

Why ..................

Did your mother need to talk to the headmaster?

Was ..................

Paul is certain to have announced his engagement with Sue.

Paul ...................

All pupils need to write their papers in ink.

All ..................

Could it be snowing so much?

Is it ....................

Students mustn't bring animals on the campus.

It is ....................

Finish the following sentences without changing the meaning of the sentences printed before them.

I suppose he has made some inquiries before accepting the job.

He ...................

It wasn't necessary for him to buy all that stuff; he had some at home already.

He ....................

Perhaps they will have a summit next winter.

They ..................

How does the day after tomorrow suit you?

Would .................

Do you fancy going to a picnic on Sunday?

Would ..................

Was it necessary to buy him such an expensive present?

Did ....................

It is unlikely that she get so close to the spot.

She ...................

I think he will be the winner.

There is every ...............

You'd better ask for advice from your lawyer before changing your will again.

You ...................

Could we talk to the shareholders too?

Would ..................

It is certain that the exhibition will open next week.

The exhibition is ..............

May I borrow your car for the afternoon?

Do ..................

It is not necessary to wash your clothes now.

You ..................

It is forbidden to drive so fast on this narrow road.

You ...................

Perhaps it was Marjorie who hasn't kept it a secret.

Marjorie ..................