Modal Verbs Present and Past Exercises

Exercises on Modal Verbs in the Present and Past

Quick Review

Modal verbs can refer to the present or the past.

  • Present deduction → must, may, might, could
  • Past deduction/speculation → must have, might have, could have
  • Obligation → have to / had to
  • Ability → can / could

👉 Need a full explanation? Read our complete guide to present and past modal verbs here.

Now practice with these “Present and Past Modal Verbs Exercises”.

Present and Past Modal Verbs Exercises

Please do the exercise below on the present and past of modals and click the button to check your answers.

Before doing the exercises, you may want to read the lessons on modals and present and past modals.

Quiz Time For English Learners: Present and Past Modal Verbs Exercises
Quiz Time For English Learners: Present and Past Modals Exercises

Grammar Exercise 1 – Present and Past Modal Verbs (Multiple Choice)

Choose the correct answer

  1. He French. His French is terrible.
  2. The kids are calm today. They tired.
  3. Although Leila was very hungry, she didn't eat very much. She the food.
  4. The phone is ringing. It Mary. She promised she would call.
  5. John had a terrible accident. He when the traffic lights were red.
  6. I don't know why she got so many bad grades. She lazy studying.
  7. I didn't know you needed help. You me.
  8. I am so tired. I need some rest. I think I a week off.
  9. He so fast when he was young.
  10. Nancy on holiday. I have just met her in the street.

Grammar Exercise 2 – Modals of Deduction and Speculation (Extra Practice)

Choose the correct modal verb.

  1. She isn’t at home. She ______ be at work.
    a) must
    b) must have
    c) should
  2. They look exhausted. They ______ all night.
    a) must work
    b) must have worked
    c) could working
  3. He ______ the exam yesterday because he didn’t study.
    a) can’t pass
    b) couldn’t have passed
    c) must pass
  4. I’m not sure, but she ______ come later.
    a) might
    b) had to
    c) must
  5. We were late. We ______ take a taxi.
    a) have to take
    b) had to take
    c) must have taken
  6. He speaks perfect Spanish. He ______ live in Spain before.
    a) must live
    b) must have lived
    c) can live
  7. You ______ her the truth yesterday. It was important.
    a) should have told
    b) can tell
    c) might tell
  8. That noise is strange. It ______ the wind.
    a) must be
    b) must have been
    c) had to be
  9. When I was a child, I ______ run very fast.
    a) can
    b) could
    c) must
  10. They didn’t answer. They ______ our message.
    a) might not receive
    b) might not have received
    c) can’t receive
1. a) must (Present deduction)
2. b) must have worked (Past deduction)
3. b) couldn’t have passed (Past deduction – negative)
4. a) might (Future possibility)
5. b) had to take (Past obligation)
6. b) must have lived (Past deduction)
7. a) should have told (Past advice/regret)
8. a) must be (Present deduction)
9. b) could (Past ability)
10. b) might not have received (Past possibility – negative)
Tags: Exercises on Modals
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