Functions of modal verbs
1 Complete the text with appropriate modal verbs. In each case, more than one
answer is possible.
Dallas Wiens from Texas can’t remember much about 13 November 2008, when he hit
an electricity power line and burned his whole body very badly. His injuries were so
severe that doctors (1) HAD TO put him into a coma for three months. When he woke
up, he was told that he had lost all the features on his face, which meant that he
(2)COULDN’T use his eyes, nose or mouth. Doctors advised him that he (3)-MUST
prepare himself for a lifetime in a-wheelchair and without a face.
However, Wiens told himself, ‘I (4)-MUST get better,’ and he had 22 operations in the
first year after the accident. After a while, he (5) COULD/MANAGED TO stand up on his
own and move his left arm. Then, one day, he received a call from Jeff Janis at Parkland
Hospital in Dallas. Janis told him that it (6) COULD/MIGHT/MAY be possible to give him
a face transplant. Wiens had a-20-hour operation to give him a new face and now he
(7)CAN/ ABLE TO breathe through his nose and taste food again.
The US Department of Defence covered the cost of his face transplant, so at least
Wiens (8)DIDN’T HAVE TO pay for his operation.
Ability, permission & prohibition
2 Rewrite the sentences. Use affirmative or negative forms of the modal verbs in
bold.
It’s against the rules for students to wear jeans to college. (must)
Students mustn’t wear jeans to college.
1 When I was younger, I wasn’t able to swim. (could)
WHEN I WAS YOUNGER, I COULDN’T SWIM.
2 It’s not against the rules for staff to chew gum.
(be allowed to)
IT IS ALLOWED TO CHEW GUM FOR STAFF.
3 It was difficult, but I found the perfect dress in the end. (manage to)
IT WAS DIFFICULT, BUT I MANAGED TO FIND THE PERFECT DRESS IN THE
END.
4 It’s against the law for motorists to park here. (can)
MOTORIST CAN PARK HERE.
5. The race was so difficult that Jake didn’t finish it. (manage to)
JAKE DIDN’T MANAGED TO FINISH THE RACE.
6 You can’t check your answers with your partner. (be allowed to)
YOU AREN’T ALLOWED TO CHECK YOUR ANSWERS WITH YOUR PARTNER.
Obligation & lack of obligation
3 Rewrite the sentences using an appropriate modal verb. In each case, there is
more than one possible answer.
Travellers are obliged to purchase a ticket.
Travellers must buy a ticket.
1 Customers are obliged to leave a 10% tip.
CUSTOMERS MUST LEAVE AT 10% TIP
2 Shopkeepers are not obliged to give refunds.
SHOPKEEPERS NEEDN’T GIVE REFUNDS.
