Modal Verbs. Quiz 1: Ability/ Permission/ Help

Lena is a great artist. She ____ paint realistic portraits in just a few hours.

• may

• can

• could

• must

Answer explanation

can (Describes a present skill – general ability.)

When I was younger, I ____ swim for hours without getting tired.

• may

• could

• can

• must

Answer explanation

could (General ability in the past.)

Even though he was injured, he ____ finish the race.

• may

• can

• could

• must

Answer explanation

could (Refers to an ability in a particular past situation.)

Mozart ____ compose music at the age of five.

• may

• can

• could

• must

Answer explanation

could (Refers to an exceptional past ability.)

____ I leave the class early today?

• May

• Can

• Could

• Must

Answer explanation

May (More formal and polite request.)

Hey, bro, ____ I borrow your phone for a second?

• May

• Can

• Could

• Must

Answer explanation

Can (Casual and natural among friends.)

Excuse me, ____ you pass me the salt, please?

• May

• Can

• Could

• Must

Answer explanation

Could (More polite than "can," suitable for polite requests.)

When I was in school, we ____ wear jeans in class, but now they are not allowed.

• can

• could

• may

• must

Answer explanation

Could (Talking about an old school rule that has changed - Past Permission)

You ____ bring outside food into the cinema. It is against company policy.

• can’t

• may not

• couldn’t

• shouldn’t

Answer explanation

can’t / may not (Both are used to prohibit sth, with "may not" being more formal.)

Sir, ____ I assist you with your luggage?

• May

• Can

• Could

• Must

Answer explanation

May (Very formal and polite offer, used in customer service.)