Answer Key

Modal verbs (1)

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, use the word(s) given. Do not change the word(s) given.
  1. It's possible Paula changed her mind about buying the car. – - – MAY – - – Paula  [may have changed her mind] about buying the car. 
  2. I'm sure that I left the dictionary in the house somewhere. – - – BE – - – The dictionary [must be] in the house somewhere. 
  3. ‘Robert's mother criticized him for not asking her permission first. – - – HAVE – - – “You [should have asked] my permission first,” said Robert's mother. 
  4. I'm sure it came as a shock to you. – - – MUST – - – It  [must have come] as a shock to you! 
  5. Is it necessary for them to make so much noise? – - – HAVE – - – Do  [they have to make]so much noise? 
  6. I'm sure he didn't lie to them. – - – HAVE – - – He  [can't have lied, couldn't have lied] to them. 
  7. Why didn't you tell me about their financial problems before? – - – SHOULD – - – You [should have told] me about their financial problems before. 
  8. The parents didn't let their children stay up late. – - – ALLOWED – - – The children  [were not allowed to stay, weren't allowed to stay] up late. 
  9. My parents never let me drink beer when I was young. – - – WAS – - – I  [was never allowed to drink] beer when I was young. 
  10. The doctor told me it would be a good idea to stop smoking. – - – UP – - – The doctor told me I  [should give up] smoking.