This quiz works best with JavaScript enabled.
Home
>
English Grammar
>
Grammar
>
Parts Of Speech
>
Verbs
>
Auxiliary Verbs
>
Modal Verbs
>
Modals Of Probability – Quiz 1
Modals Of Probability Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of modal verbs to express probability, including ability and permission in present contexts, certainty and likelihood in future events based on current knowledge, and past certainty or possibility expressed with modals. It also covers formal vs informal usage, negation for certainty or impossibility, and conditional reasoning.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
He has all the necessary qualifications; he ..... get the job.
A) Can't.
B) Might.
C) Will.
D) Should.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "He has all the necessary qualifications; he will get the job." uses a modal verb to express certainty about the future event based on current knowledge of facts (his qualifications). The modal "will" is used here to indicate high probability or certainty.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can't - Incorrect. Indicates impossibility, not certainty.
Option B:
Might - Incorrect. Implies possibility rather than certainty.
Option C:
Will - Correct. Expresses high probability or certainty based on current facts (qualifications).
Option D:
Should - Incorrect. Suggests obligation or recommendation, not certainty.
2.
We ..... be asked difficult questions. The teacher told us that some could be difficult.
A) Might.
B) Shouldn't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "might" is used to express possibility, indicating that something could happen but it is not certain. In the sentence "We might be asked difficult questions," the use of "might" correctly conveys that there is a possibility but no guarantee that difficult questions will be asked.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Might" appropriately expresses the possibility.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Shouldn't" implies a strong recommendation against something, which does not fit the context of expressing possibility.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is incorrect because only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" is incorrect since Option A is correct.
3.
She ..... hungry, she's just finished a big lunch.
A) Must.
B) Can't.
C) Could.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She can't be hungry, she's just finished a big lunch." uses the modal verb "can't" to express certainty that the subject is not in a state of hunger because she has recently eaten a substantial meal. This usage aligns with the meaning and function of "can't," which indicates impossibility or certainty about the negation of an ability or situation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must - Incorrect, as "must" implies necessity rather than impossibility.
Option B:
Can't - Correct, as it expresses certainty that she is not hungry due to having just eaten.
Option C:
Could - Incorrect, as "could" suggests possibility or ability, not certainty of the negation.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect, since Option B is correct.
4.
I couldn't have chosen a better opportunity.
A) Modal of past probability.
B) Modal of future probability.
C) Modal of past probability.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I couldn't have chosen a better opportunity" expresses a past situation where the speaker is indicating that their choice was excellent, even though it cannot be changed (past event). This usage of "couldn't have" indicates a high level of certainty about an action in the past. In English grammar, this construction is known as the modal of past probability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates past probability.
Option B:
Incorrect. Refers to future possibilities.
Option C:
Repeated incorrect option, still about past probability but not the exact term used here.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
5.
Those cherries (a) be on special offer. They cost twice as much as they did last week!
A) Must not have.
B) A. can't.
C) Can't have.
D) May not.
E) Must not.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Those cherries (a) be on special offer. They cost twice as much as they did last week!" uses the modal verb "can't" to express a high level of certainty that the cherries are not on special offer, given their increased price.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must not have - Incorrect. This implies a past state which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option B:
A. can't - Correct. Indicates strong certainty that the cherries are not on special offer due to their increased price.
Option C:
Can't have - Incorrect. This implies a past state which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option D:
May not - Incorrect. This expresses possibility rather than certainty.
Option E:
Must not - Incorrect. This implies a strong necessity, whereas "can't" indicates impossibility or certainty of non-occurrence.
6.
Are you joking! David ..... (go) to Paris last week. He doesn't have enough money to go to Europe.
A) Can't have gone.
B) Both are correct.
C) Couldn't have gone.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Both "Can't have gone" and "Couldn't have gone" are correct in this context, as they both express a high degree of certainty that David did not go to Paris last week due to his lack of money. The difference lies in the formality: "Can't have gone" is more informal while "Couldn't have gone" sounds slightly more formal and is often preferred in written English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Can't have gone" is correct but not both.
Option B:
Correct. Both expressions are valid here.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Couldn't have gone" is also correct but not both.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
It must be dangerous
A) It could be harmless.
B) It can't be harmless.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal "must" in the sentence "It must be dangerous" indicates a high degree of certainty that something is true, based on available evidence or reasoning. This usage implies that there are no reasonable grounds to believe otherwise.
Option B states "It can't be harmless," which aligns with the meaning conveyed by "must." If it must be dangerous, then it logically cannot be harmless.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
It could be harmless. - This contradicts the certainty expressed by "must" and is therefore incorrect.
Option B:
It can't be harmless. - This correctly interprets the meaning of "must" in this context, making it the correct answer.
Option C:
All the above. - This is incorrect because not all options are correct.
Option D:
None of the above. - This is also incorrect as Option B is valid.
8.
There's a heavy traffic, so I ..... arrive late in the meeting.
A) Might.
B) Can't.
C) Should.
D) Must.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"might" is used to express a low level of probability, indicating that the speaker believes it is possible but not certain that they will arrive late due to heavy traffic.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Might" expresses possibility and uncertainty.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Can't" means impossibility, which doesn't fit the context of a possible delay due to heavy traffic.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Should" implies obligation or recommendation, not probability.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Must" indicates certainty, which contradicts the uncertain nature of the situation described by heavy traffic.
9.
MUST has the following percentage of probability
A) 90-99%.
B) 0-5%.
C) 60-80%.
D) 30-50%.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal "must" is used to express a high degree of certainty, indicating that something is very likely to be true based on the available evidence or logic. Therefore, when using "must," it typically conveys a probability range of 90-99%, which aligns with Option A.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Must" indicates a very high level of certainty.
Option B:
Incorrect. This range is too low for the usage of "must."
Option C:
Incorrect. This range does not fully capture the high degree of certainty expressed by "must."
Option D:
Incorrect. This range also underestimates the level of certainty conveyed by "must."
10.
"Can" indicates
A) Ability or permission.
B) Strong obligation.
C) Future intention.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Can" is used to indicate ability or permission, which aligns with Option A.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Can" is commonly used to express physical or mental capability as well as granting permission.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Can" does not indicate a strong obligation; that would be indicated by modal verbs like "must" or "should".
Option C:
Incorrect. While "can" can sometimes imply future intention in certain contexts, it is primarily used for ability and permission.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
11.
I never understand her. She ..... be sad, happy, or even angry.
A) Could.
B) Must.
C) May.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Could" is the correct answer because it expresses a possibility without certainty, which fits the context of not understanding someone's emotions that can change unpredictably.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Could" indicates a possibility or ability. It aligns with the idea that her emotions could be any of those mentioned but are not certain.
Option B:
"Must" implies certainty, which contradicts the statement about never understanding her.
Option C:
"May" also indicates possibility but is less formal than "could." However, "could" better captures the sense of uncertainty in the context.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "could" fits well with the sentence structure and meaning.
12.
Which one do we use to say that something is quite likely to happen and we have a good reason for it?
A) Must.
B) Could.
C) May.
D) Should.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Should" is used to express advice, suggestions, and what is considered appropriate or advisable in a situation. It indicates that something is quite likely to happen because it is the recommended course of action based on circumstances or general principles.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Must" implies necessity or obligation, not likelihood.
Option B:
"Could" suggests possibility but does not indicate a strong likelihood.
Option C:
"May" indicates permission or possibility without certainty.
Option D:
"Should" is appropriate for expressing advice and what is likely to happen based on recommendations.
13.
It's unlikely ..... computers will replace teachers.
A) For.
B) If.
C) That.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal "that" is used to express certainty or uncertainty about a fact, which fits well in this context of expressing the unlikely nature of an event. "It's unlikely that computers will replace teachers" correctly uses "that" to introduce the clause expressing the probability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
For - Incorrect. "For" is not used to express probabilities in this context.
Option B:
If - Incorrect. "If" introduces a conditional clause, which is not appropriate here.
Option C:
That - Correct. "That" introduces the clause expressing probability or uncertainty about an event.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. Option C is correct.
14.
I ..... go to the party tonight, but I feel a bit tired. I'll decide later.
A) Must.
B) May.
C) Am.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"May" is used to express possibility, which fits the context of deciding later based on current feelings. It indicates that going to the party is a possible action but not certain.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Must" implies necessity, which does not match the uncertain tone of the sentence.
Option B:
"May" correctly conveys possibility and uncertainty, aligning with the speaker's current state of feeling tired and indecision about attending the party.
Option C:
"Am" is a form of the verb 'to be' and does not fit grammatically or contextually in this sentence.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since "May" is the appropriate choice.
15.
This ..... be for me. I don't like this kind of magazine.
A) Must.
B) Can't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "This can't be for me. I don't like this kind of magazine." uses the modal verb "can't" to express a strong probability that something is not intended for the speaker, based on their personal preference. This aligns with the use of "can't" to indicate impossibility or strong doubt.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must - Incorrect. "Must" implies certainty, which doesn't fit the context.
Option B:
Can't - Correct. "Can't" expresses a high degree of probability that something is not intended for the speaker due to their dislike of the magazine.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect. Only one option fits the context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect. "Can't" is the correct choice.
16.
Lucy and Linda are running. Lucy is very fast, Linda is tired. Make a sentence based on the context:
A) Lucy will win.
B) Lucy is going to win.
C) Linda will win.
D) Linda is going to win.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Lucy is going to win" uses the modal verb "going to," which indicates a prediction about future events based on current evidence (Lucy's speed and Linda's fatigue). This makes it appropriate for expressing probability in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Lucy will win" uses "will," another modal of probability, but is less common than "going to" in informal contexts.
Option B:
"Lucy is going to win" correctly uses the future tense with a modal verb to express certainty based on current circumstances.
Option C:
"Linda will win" contradicts the given context, as Linda is described as tired and not fast.
Option D:
"Linda is going to win" also contradicts the context and is unlikely given the information provided.
17.
David didn't reply to my greeting. He ..... me.
A) Must have heard.
B) Must not have heard.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Must not have heard" is the correct answer because it expresses a high degree of certainty that David did not hear the greeting. The modal verb "must not" indicates strong probability, which fits the context where we are inferring an action based on lack of response.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must have heard - This is incorrect as it suggests certainty that David heard the greeting, which contradicts his failure to reply.
Option B:
Must not have heard - Correct. It conveys a high probability that David did not hear the greeting based on his lack of response.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect as "must have heard" contradicts the context and cannot be correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because "must not have heard" is a valid option that fits the context well.
18.
Match the modal MIGHT/MAY/COULD with its function
A) Not true or impossible.
B) 100% Completely certain.
C) 50%-Maybe certain.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Modal verbs "MIGHT," "MAY," and "COULD" are used to express a degree of probability that is neither certain nor impossible, but rather uncertain or possible. This aligns with the 50%-Maybe certain range described in Option C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Not true or impossible - Incorrect as these modals indicate possibility.
Option B:
100% Completely certain - Incorrect as these modals do not express certainty.
Option C:
50%-Maybe certain - Correct, as these modals suggest a probability that is uncertain but possible.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as Option C accurately describes their function.
19.
She ..... working late; that's why she hasn't called.
A) A) might have been.
B) B) must be.
C) C) may have.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She must be working late; that's why she hasn't called." uses the modal verb "must" to express a strong assumption based on available information. This fits well with the context of the sentence, which suggests certainty or near-certainty about her current activity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"might have been" implies past speculation and does not fit the present tense context.
Option B:
"must be" correctly conveys a strong assumption, fitting the sentence's intent.
Option C:
"may have" suggests possibility or uncertainty, which is less appropriate for the given context of certainty.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since Option B fits well.
20.
Susie is so late! She ..... the train.
A) Must have missed.
B) Must have miss.
C) Must has missed.
D) Must missed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Susie is so late! She must have missed the train." uses the modal verb "must" to express a strong probability that Susie did not catch the train because she is late. The correct form of this modal verb in the past context is "must have + past participle," which is "must have missed."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses the proper form "must have missed."
Option B:
Incorrect. Missing the verb ending in "ed" makes it grammatically wrong.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Has" is used incorrectly with "must" in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. No auxiliary verb is needed here, making it incomplete and incorrect.
21.
They ..... win the match. The others can't win now!
A) Probably.
B) May.
C) Will.
D) 're going to.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "They 're going to win the match. The others can't win now!" expresses a strong prediction or certainty about the future event, indicating that it is highly likely they will win. This usage of "'re going to" conveys a high degree of probability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Probably" suggests a moderate likelihood but not as strong as the context requires.
Option B:
"May" implies possibility rather than certainty or strong prediction.
Option C:
"Will" is used for predictions, but "'re going to" better conveys the speaker's confidence in this case.
Option D:
"'re going to" correctly expresses a high degree of certainty about the future event, making it the best choice here.
22.
Put in 'must + infinitive' or 'must + have + past participle'. 3. You ..... (practise) a lot before you gave your speech. It was great.
A) Must have practised.
B) Must practise.
C) Must have practise.
D) Must practised.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes an action that was completed before the speech, indicating a past event. Therefore, we need to use the past perfect tense with 'must' to express strong probability of something having happened in the past. The correct form is "must have practised".
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses must have practised, indicating a strong belief that the action was completed before the speech.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses must practise, which indicates a present obligation or necessity and does not fit the past context of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses must have practise, which is grammatically incorrect as 'practise' should be conjugated to match 'have'.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses must practised, which combines present tense with modal verb incorrectly.
23.
"can" is USED when speaking about
A) From 90-99% of probability.
B) From 80-40% of probability.
C) From 0-5 percent of probability.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Can" is used to express a low level of probability, typically from 0-5 percent of certainty. This aligns with Option C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; "can" does not indicate high probability.
Option B:
Incorrect; "can" is used for much lower probabilities than this range.
Option C:
Correct; matches the low level of certainty associated with "can."
Option D:
Incorrect; Option C is correct.
24.
Linda is not home. She ..... be with her friends or doing some shopping.
A) Can't.
B) Could.
C) Mustn't.
D) Must.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Linda is not home. She could be with her friends or doing some shopping." uses the modal verb "could" to express a possibility, indicating that it's uncertain where Linda might be but suggesting she has the potential to be in either location.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can't - Incorrect. This implies certainty that Linda is not with her friends or shopping, which contradicts the sentence's uncertainty.
Option B:
Could - Correct. This modal verb expresses a possibility without asserting certainty, fitting the context perfectly.
Option C:
Mustn't - Incorrect. This implies a prohibition against Linda being with her friends or shopping, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option D:
Must - Incorrect. This implies certainty that Linda is either with her friends or doing some shopping, which contradicts the sentence's uncertainty.
25.
If you haven't eaten all day, you ..... (be) hungry.
A) Should be.
B) Can be.
C) Must be.
D) Might be.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "If you haven't eaten all day, you must be hungry." indicates a high degree of certainty based on the condition given. The word "must" expresses necessity and is used to indicate that something is required or inevitable under certain conditions.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Should be - implies a suggestion rather than a strong necessity.
Option B:
Can be - suggests possibility but not certainty.
Option C:
Must be - expresses high certainty, fitting the context perfectly.
Option D:
Might be - indicates only a possibility, not a strong likelihood.
26.
The movie ..... be great, everyone loves it.
A) Must.
B) Can't.
C) May.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal "must" is used to express certainty about a future event based on current evidence or strong likelihood, which fits the context of the sentence where it suggests that everyone loves the movie, indicating a high probability of its greatness. The other options do not fit as well: "can't" implies impossibility; "may" expresses possibility but not certainty; and "none of the above" is incorrect given the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a high degree of certainty about the future greatness of the movie based on current evidence (everyone loves it).
Option B:
Incorrect. "Can't" implies impossibility, which is not indicated in the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "May" expresses possibility but not certainty as suggested by the context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
27.
PAST FORM OF WILL IS
A) WULD.
B) WOULD.
C) WILLED.
D) WUD.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The past form of "will" is "willed." This is a regular verb and follows the standard -ed ending for past tense formation in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Wuld. Incorrect. This is not a valid form in Modern English.
Option B:
Would. Incorrect. "Would" is the past tense of "will" when used for conditional sentences, but it is not the simple past tense form.
Option C:
Willed. Correct. This is the standard past tense form of the verb "will."
Option D:
Wud. Incorrect. This is not a valid form in Modern English.
28.
She ..... forgotten her password. It was her first name!
A) Could.
B) May have.
C) Couldn't have.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "She couldn’t have forgotten her password. It was her first name!" uses the modal verb "couldn't" to express a high level of certainty that she did not forget her password, as it is something so obvious and easy to remember (her own first name). This aligns with the meaning conveyed by Option C.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Could - Implies possibility but does not convey the high certainty expressed in the sentence.
Option B:
May have - Indicates a possibility, which is less certain than what is conveyed by the original sentence.
Option C:
Couldn't have - Expresses a strong negation and high level of certainty that she did not forget her password. Correct for this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as Option C is correct.
29.
The garden centre (a) be open now. It's only 4:00, and they're open until 5:00.
A) A. must.
B) Must have.
C) May have.
D) Might.
E) Can.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The garden centre (a) be open now." is incomplete and requires a modal verb to express probability. The correct answer, "A. must," indicates certainty that the garden centre should be open at 4:00 PM because it closes at 5:00 PM.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Must - Correct. Expresses certainty that the garden centre is open now.
Option B:
Must have - Incorrect. Implies an action completed in the past, not relevant here.
Option C:
May have - Incorrect. Indicates possibility but not certainty.
Option D:
Might - Incorrect. Indicates a low probability or possibility.
Option E:
Can - Incorrect. Implies ability rather than certainty of current state.
30.
Do you think people will live more in the future? (I am 70% sure)
A) People could live longer.
B) People will live longer.
C) People are likely to live longer.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because "likely to" indicates a probability, which aligns with the context of the question where you express a degree of certainty (70%). This usage of modal verbs accurately conveys that people are expected to live longer in the future.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"People could live longer" uses 'could,' which implies possibility rather than probability. It does not match the 70% certainty expressed.
Option B:
"People will live longer" is a definitive statement, suggesting certainty (100%), whereas the question indicates lower certainty (70%).
Option C:
"People are likely to live longer" uses 'likely,' which correctly conveys a probability that aligns with 70% certainty.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect since Option C accurately represents the given context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are modals of probability?
Modals of probability, such as 'might', 'could', and 'may', are used to express uncertainty about the likelihood of an event occurring. They indicate that something is possible but not certain.
How do modals of probability differ from those of past probability?
Modals of probability, like 'might' and 'could', are used for present or future situations. Modals of past probability, such as 'might have' and 'could have', are used to express uncertainty about events that occurred in the past.
Can modals of probability be used with other tenses?
Yes, modals of probability can be used with various tenses to express different levels of certainty. For example, 'might have gone' is used to talk about a possibility in the past.
What is the scope of using modals of probability?
The scope of using modals of probability is broad, allowing speakers and writers to convey a range of probabilities from high likelihoods to low chances in both present and past contexts.
How do modals of probability help in writing?
Modals of probability enhance the clarity and precision of writing by indicating the degree of certainty or uncertainty about events, making the text more nuanced and informative.