Modal Verbs Advanced

We took an exam yesterday and I _____ answer any of the questions

• couldn't have

• couldn’t

• can't

• can't have

I____promoted last year but I preferred to stay on the shop floor.

• had to be

• must have been

• could have been

• could be

  This book ____used by complete beginners.

• can be

• is able to be

Answer explanation

We cannot usually use be able to with a passive.

Do you think she’ll ____ get a visa? 

• be able to

• have

• manage to

Answer explanation

To emphasize the difficulty or to suggest a great effort (in the present, past or future) we use manage to. In more formal English we can also use succeed in + -ing form.

Mike’s car broke down but fortunately, he ____ repair it.

• could have managed

• could

• was able to

Answer explanation

To describe the successful use of an ability on a specific occasion we do not use could, we use past tense or was/were able to.

She was so exhausted she ___hardly speak. 

• was able to

• could 

• couldn't

Answer explanation

we can use could in questions, and in sentences with limiting adverbs such as only or hardly.

____you fix the computer yourself?’ ‘No, I ___only back up the key files.’

• Could , could 

• Are you able to, am being able to

Answer explanation

we can use could in questions, and in sentences with limiting adverbs such as only or hardly.

She  ____ speak Spanish but she ____speak Italian. 

• could, couldn't

• is able to, isn't able to

• can, can't

Answer explanation

We use can to describe ability and cannot or can’t to describe a lack of ability in the present.

Despite being handicapped, he  _____drive a car.

• couldn't

• can't have

• is able to

Answer explanation

If the present ability is surprising or involves overcoming some difficulty, we can also use is/are able to.

The army ___ defeating their enemy.

• succeeded in defeating

• managed to

Answer explanation

To emphasize the difficulty or to suggest a great effort (in the present, past, or future) we use manage to. In more formal English we can also use succeed in + -ing form.