Modals and modal phrases

By 20 you _ figure out what you would like to do with your life. But, honestly, only few can actually do it.

• must

• have to

• are obliged to

• are supposed to

Answer explanation

the structure 'be supposed to do smth' is used to talk about things that people should do or what other people expect somebody to do (most often people ignore these expectations)

I am afraid I must insist - you _ finish the report by the end of the day. As I hope you still remember, writing reports is your main responsibility, according to the contract.

• should

• will manage to

• are obliged to

• can

It is the most difficult project I have ever worked on, but I tried really hard and now I have _ to finish it.

• supposed

• managed

• obliged

• had

Unfortunately, I _ to join you tomorrow at the cinema. I am under the weather.

• will not be able

• will not can

• ought

• have

My boss is a very strict person, that's why I _ wear a bright make-up.

• have to

• am not allowed to

• ought to

• am let

Answer explanation

lack of permission

I hate it when my boyfriend _ text him to inform if I am home or not. I am not 5 years old!

• makes me

• makes me to

• obliges

• forces

Answer explanation

MAKE SMB DO SMTH - a structure that we use in active sentences, when a person does the action themselves; TO BE MADE TO DO SMTH - a structure that we use in passive sentences

I had a splitting headache yesterday, but I _ to work, although my boss suggested that I go home.

• did managed

• managed

• was forced

• was obliged

Answer explanation

ability to do something despite problems

I want to be fluent in English, which means I _ study everyday!

• must

• have to

• am oblige

• am suppose

Answer explanation

HAVE TO DO SMTH

somebody tells us to do something because it's important or a rule

MUST

you decide by yourself that something is very important for you to do

NOTE: in a lot of situations we can use these modals as synonyms

Sorry, I need to go home. I _ finish my report. My boss will kill me if I don't.

• am not able to

• am forced

• have to

• might

- You have to call our clients today!

- I'd love to _ to assist you with this, but I am afraid it's not within the scope of my responsibilities and I _ to perform such tasks.

• be able; am not supposed

• can; shouldn't

• manage; ought not

• able; cannot