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Modals Of Prohibition – Quiz 1
Modals Of Prohibition Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding and application of modal verbs for expressing prohibition, including conditional perfect tense with modals, proper preposition usage for scheduling activities on specific days, and response to requests for permission or ability. It also tests skills in advisory tone and workplace policies.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Employees ..... be late to office meetings.
A) Must not.
B) Could.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "Must not" indicates a strong prohibition, which aligns with the typical usage of modal verbs to express strict rules or policies in professional settings. Employees are expected to adhere strictly to punctuality for office meetings.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Indicates a strict rule against being late, appropriate for workplace policies.
Option B:
Suggests possibility rather than prohibition, incorrect in this context.
Option C:
Inappropriate as it includes an option that is not correct (B).
Option D:
Incorrect since Option A is valid and clearly the best choice.
2.
You ..... worry about me. I'll be fine.
A) May not.
B) Mustn't.
C) Can't.
D) Shouldn't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "You mustn't worry about me. I'll be fine." uses the modal verb "mustn't," which is used to express prohibition or strong advice against doing something. In this context, it correctly conveys that the speaker does not want the other person to worry.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
May not - This implies possibility but doesn't convey a strong prohibition.
Option B:
Mustn't - Correct. It expresses strong advice against doing something, fitting the context perfectly.
Option C:
Can't - Indicates inability rather than prohibition or advice.
Option D:
Shouldn't - Suggests a recommendation but is less forceful than "mustn't."
3.
You're the third driver we are hiring this month. You ..... drinking and drive.
A) Can't.
B) Shouldn't.
C) Mustn't.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "mustn't" is used to express strong prohibition, indicating that something is absolutely not allowed. In the context of hiring a driver and emphasizing the rule against drinking and driving, "mustn't" correctly conveys this absolute prohibition.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can't - This implies inability rather than prohibition.
Option B:
Shouldn't - This suggests a recommendation but not an absolute rule.
Option C:
Mustn't - Correctly expresses strong prohibition.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "mustn't" is the appropriate choice here.
4.
Tomorrow is Sunday! So I ..... go to school!
A) Don't have to.
B) Mustn't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Tomorrow is Sunday! So I..... go to school!" implies a situation where going to school on Sunday is not required due to the day being a weekend. The modal verb "don't have to" correctly conveys this meaning, indicating that there is no obligation or necessity to perform an action (going to school).
Option A: Don't have to - Correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Indicates the absence of a requirement or obligation. This is correct for Sunday.
Option B:
Mustn't implies prohibition, which does not fit the context of a non-obligatory day like Sunday. Incorrect.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because "mustn't" is inappropriate in this context.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as Option A is correct.
5.
Yuriel ..... be even one minute late.
A) May not.
B) Shouldn't.
C) Mustn't.
D) Can't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "mustn't" is used to express strong prohibition, indicating that something is absolutely not allowed. In the sentence "Yuriel mustn't be even one minute late," it conveys a strict rule or instruction that Yuriel should never be late by any amount of time.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
May not - This implies possibility but does not convey strong prohibition.
Option B:
Shouldn't - This suggests a recommendation or advice, not a strict rule.
Option C:
Mustn't - Correct. It expresses absolute prohibition.
Option D:
Can't - This implies inability rather than prohibition.
6.
You ..... copy during examination. It leads to your paper being canceled.
A) Must not.
B) Must.
C) Shouldn't.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "must not" is used to express a strong prohibition, indicating that something is absolutely forbidden and should never be done. In the context of an examination, copying is strictly prohibited as it violates academic integrity rules. Therefore, the correct answer is A) Must not.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Must not" conveys a strong prohibition against copying during an exam.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must" implies necessity rather than prohibition.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Shouldn't" is less forceful and does not convey the absolute prohibition required in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the above would be chosen as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
7.
My teacher gave me homework. I ..... forget to do it tonight.
A) Mustn't.
B) Can't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My teacher gave me homework. I ..... forget to do it tonight." implies a prohibition against forgetting the homework, which is best expressed using a modal of prohibition such as "can't". The other options are incorrect because:
- "Mustn't" suggests an absolute rule that should not be broken, but the context does not imply this level of strictness.
- "All the above" and "None of the above" do not fit the context since one option (B) is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Mustn't" implies a stronger prohibition than necessary for this context.
Option B:
Correct. "Can't" appropriately expresses the inability to forget the homework.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option is redundant as only one correct answer exists.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are incorrect, making this choice invalid.
8.
A Could I use the company car on Monday afternoon, please?B I'm sorry, you ..... The boss needs it.
A) Could.
B) Can't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B "Can't" is correct because it uses the modal verb "can" in its negative form, which indicates prohibition. The sentence structure follows a standard pattern for expressing that something is not allowed: "I'm sorry, you can't [use the company car]."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses "Could," which implies permission rather than prohibition.
Option B:
Correct for using "Can't" to express prohibition.
Option C:
Incorrect as both "Could" and "Can't" are not correct in this context; they imply different meanings.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
9.
I ..... any money to the museum-I didn't realise it was free to enter.
A) Needn't have taken.
B) Didn't need to take.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I needn't have taken any money to the museum-I didn't realise it was free to enter" uses a modal verb of prohibition, specifically "needn't," which indicates that taking money was not necessary. The speaker is expressing regret for having taken money unnecessarily.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Needn't have taken" implies the action (taking money) was unnecessary.
Option B:
Incorrect. While it's true that taking money wasn't necessary, this option doesn't capture the sense of regret or that the action could have been avoided.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is not applicable since only Option A correctly addresses the sentence structure and meaning.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
10.
I'll see you ..... Tuesday afternoon then.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct when referring to a specific day of the week in English. This usage indicates that the meeting will take place during the afternoon on Tuesday, making option B the appropriate choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
In is typically used for periods or seasons, not days.
Option B:
On is correct for specifying a day of the week.
Option C:
At is generally used for times, not days.
Option D:
Not applicable as "on" is the correct choice.
11.
When you study at a library, you ..... make noise.
A) Must not.
B) Must.
C) Can.
D) Should.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "must not" is used to express a strong prohibition, indicating that it is absolutely necessary to avoid doing something. In the context of studying in a library, making noise would be highly disruptive and against the rules, hence the use of "must not."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Indicates a strict prohibition on making noise.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Must" implies necessity to do something, which is contrary to the context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Can" suggests permission or possibility, not prohibition.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Should" implies a recommendation rather than a strict rule.
12.
You ..... smoke inside. It's illegal.
A) Mustn't.
B) Don't have to.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A is correct because "mustn't" is a modal verb used to express prohibition, which fits the context of the sentence about smoking being illegal inside.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Mustn't" expresses prohibition.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Don't have to" implies an obligation or necessity, not prohibition.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, which is false.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the given options (A) is correct.
13.
Children ..... eat too many sweets.
A) Shouldn't.
B) Oughtn't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "shouldn't" is used to express prohibition, indicating that it is not advisable for children to eat too many sweets. This aligns with the grammatical rule of using modals of prohibition correctly in English.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses shouldn't, a modal verb expressing prohibition.
Option B:
Incorrect. Oughtn't is not commonly used to express prohibition in this context; it's more formal and less direct than shouldn't.
Option C:
Incorrect. Shouldn't alone is correct, making all options redundant.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the choices provided.
14.
Could you email me? Yes, I .....
A) Can.
B) Could.
C) Have.
D) Do.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Could you email me? Yes, I ...." is a response to an invitation or request for permission to perform an action (sending an email). The modal verb "could" in the question indicates a polite request or offer. In responses to such questions, we typically use "can" because it directly answers the ability to perform the action being requested.
Option A: Can - Correct. It appropriately responds to the question by affirming the ability to send an email.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correctly uses "can" to respond affirmatively to a request for permission or ability.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Could" is used in questions, not answers to such requests.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Have" does not fit grammatically or contextually here.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Do" is not appropriate for this type of response.
15.
You ..... touch or look at your mobile phone during the class.
A) Mustn't.
B) Can't.
C) Shouldn't.
D) May not.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"May not" is the correct answer because it implies a suggestion rather than a strict prohibition, which aligns with the context of classroom behavior where complete bans might be impractical but guidelines are recommended.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Mustn't" suggests an absolute rule, which is too strong for a recommendation.
Option B:
"Can't" implies impossibility, not just prohibition.
Option C:
"Shouldn't" is a stronger suggestion than the context requires; it's more forceful than necessary.
Option D:
"May not" suggests a guideline or recommendation, fitting the context well.
16.
Did they tell you that you ..... come to this area. It is restricted to staff only.
A) Mustn't.
B) Can't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Did they tell you that you can't come to this area. It is restricted to staff only." uses the modal verb 'can't', which expresses prohibition. This aligns with the context of a restricted area, making Option B correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Mustn't" implies strong prohibition but doesn't fit as well in this context.
Option C:
"All the above" is incorrect since only one option fits perfectly.
Option D:
"None of the above" is also incorrect because Option B is correct.
17.
The passengers ..... go inside the plane without checking in first.
A) Can't.
B) Mustn't.
C) May.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The passengers can't go inside the plane without checking in first" uses the modal verb "can't," which indicates a prohibition or impossibility. This aligns with the topic of "Modals Of Prohibition."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Can't" is used to express that it is not possible for passengers to go inside the plane without checking in first.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Mustn't" would be more appropriate if expressing a strong prohibition, but "can't" fits better here as it indicates impossibility rather than a strict rule.
Option C:
Incorrect. "May" implies permission or possibility, which does not fit the context of the sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. All other options are valid in this context, so "None of the above" is not correct.
18.
Those who live in glass houses ..... throw stones.
A) Mustn't.
B) Shouldn't.
C) Can't.
D) May not.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" is a proverb that means people should not criticize others for faults they themselves have. This aligns with the use of "shouldn't," which expresses prohibition or advice against doing something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Mustn't - While similar, "mustn't" is stronger and implies a rule that cannot be broken, whereas "shouldn't" suggests a recommendation. The proverb uses a softer suggestion rather than an absolute prohibition.
Option B:
Shouldn't - Correct. It conveys the idea of not doing something because it would be hypocritical or wrong to do so.
Option C:
Can't - Incorrect as "can't" implies inability, which is not what the proverb means.
Option D:
May not - While close in meaning, "may not" suggests a possibility of not doing something rather than a clear recommendation against it. The proverb uses a stronger suggestion with "shouldn't."
19.
You ..... speak on the cellphone on the plane.
A) Must.
B) Mustn't.
C) May.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Mustn't.
This modal verb expresses a prohibition, indicating that speaking on the cellphone on the plane is not allowed according to aviation safety regulations and guidelines.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Must" implies necessity or obligation, which does not align with the context of a prohibition.
Option B:
Correct. "Mustn't" clearly conveys that it is forbidden to speak on the cellphone during flight.
Option C:
Incorrect. "May" suggests permission or possibility, which contradicts the rule against using cellphones in planes.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the given options.
20.
Direction:Complete the thought of these sentences with mustn't, may not, can't or shouldn't ..... 1. One ..... fall asleep while driving.
A) May not.
B) Shouldn't.
C) Mustn't.
D) Can't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
"Mustn't" is the correct answer because it expresses a strong prohibition, indicating that falling asleep while driving is absolutely not allowed and should be avoided at all costs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"May not" suggests a possibility of not doing something, which does not convey the same level of prohibition as "mustn't." It implies that it might be okay to fall asleep while driving under certain circumstances.
Option B:
"Shouldn't" is close but less forceful than "mustn't." While both indicate a recommendation against an action, "shouldn't" can sometimes be interpreted as suggesting a slight possibility that the action might still be acceptable in rare cases. "Mustn't," on the other hand, leaves no room for exceptions.
Option C:
"Mustn't" is the correct choice because it conveys an absolute prohibition, emphasizing that falling asleep while driving is strictly forbidden and should never happen.
Option D:
"Can't" implies a physical impossibility or inability to perform the action. However, one can choose not to fall asleep while driving, so this option does not fit the context of the sentence.
21.
I have an English test tomorrow. I ..... worry if I were you.
A) Can't.
B) Mustn't.
C) May not.
D) Shouldn't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "shouldn't" is used to express advice against doing something, which fits the context of the sentence where someone is advising not to worry. This makes option D correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can't - This implies an absolute impossibility, which doesn't fit the advisory tone.
Option B:
Mustn't - While it conveys prohibition, it's more forceful and negative than necessary for advice.
Option C:
May not - This is too weak to convey strong advice against doing something.
Option D:
Shouldn't - Correctly expresses the advisory tone of the sentence.
22.
The 10 buildings you ..... visit in your lifetime.
A) Must.
B) Have to.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "must" is used to express a strong obligation or necessity, indicating that something is required by rules, laws, or personal beliefs. In the context of the sentence "The 10 buildings you must visit in your lifetime," "must" correctly conveys an absolute requirement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Must" expresses a strong obligation or necessity.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Have to" is less formal and not as strong as "must." It can be used interchangeably in many contexts but does not convey the same level of certainty as "must."
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are valid, but only A fits the context perfectly.
Option D:
Incorrect. The correct answer is provided by Option A.
23.
The invitation says that you ..... bring children in the reception.
A) Mustn't.
B) Can't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "mustn't" is used to express prohibition, indicating that bringing children to the reception is not allowed. This aligns with the claim that Option A is correct as it accurately conveys the meaning of a prohibition in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Mustn't" indicates prohibition.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Can't" implies inability, not prohibition.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all other options are correct, which is false.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one of the above options (A) is correct.
24.
John ..... over the weekend because he didn't have any exams during the week.
A) Didn't need to study.
B) Needn't have studied.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "John didn't need to study over the weekend because he didn't have any exams during the week" uses the modal verb "didn't need to," which indicates a situation where an action was not required or necessary. This aligns with the use of modals of prohibition, as it conveys that studying was not obligatory in this context.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence uses "didn't need to," a modal verb indicating necessity, which is relevant to the concept of modals of prohibition.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Needn't have studied" implies that studying was possible but unnecessary, which slightly changes the meaning from not needing to study at all (Option A).
Option C:
Incorrect. Both Option A and B are correct individually; thus, this option is incorrect.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
25.
You ..... say you didn't do the homework just because you didn't understand or remember.
A) Shouldn't.
B) Mustn't.
C) May not.
D) Can't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "mustn't" is used to express prohibition, indicating that something should not be done under any circumstances. In the given sentence, the speaker is making an excuse for not doing homework by claiming they did not understand or remember it. This implies a general rule against using such excuses, hence "mustn't" fits correctly.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Shouldn't - Incorrect; "shouldn't" suggests a recommendation rather than a strict prohibition.
Option B:
Mustn't - Correct; it conveys the strong prohibition against using such an excuse.
Option C:
May not - Incorrect; "may not" implies possibility, which does not fit the context of a strict rule.
Option D:
Can't - Incorrect; "can't" suggests inability rather than prohibition.
26.
Yes, you ..... call me on my private number.
A) Can't.
B) May.
C) Must not.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "may" is used to express permission, which fits the context of the sentence where someone is being asked about calling on a private number. Therefore, option B) May is correct as it indicates that permission might be given under certain circumstances.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Can't - This implies an absolute prohibition, which does not fit the context of asking for permission.
Option B:
May - Correct. It expresses a possibility or permission.
Option C:
Must not - This indicates a strong prohibition, which is not what the sentence conveys.
Option D:
None of the above - Since option B fits correctly, this is incorrect.
27.
We ..... forget to set the alarm before we go to sleep.
A) Can't.
B) Mustn't.
C) Ought to.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We mustn't forget to set the alarm before we go to sleep." uses a modal of prohibition, which is correctly represented by 'mustn't'. This indicates that it is not allowed or advisable to forget setting the alarm. The other options do not fit the context: 'can't' implies an inability, 'ought to' suggests a recommendation but not a prohibition, and 'none of the above' is incorrect given the correct choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Implies inability rather than prohibition.
Option B:
Correct. Indicates prohibition or advisement against an action.
Option C:
Incorrect. Suggests a recommendation, not a prohibition.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
28.
You ..... borrow the car until you can be more careful with it!
A) May not.
B) Mustn't.
C) Can't.
D) Shouldn't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "can't" is used to express a prohibition, indicating that the action of borrowing the car is not allowed under any circumstances due to the speaker's concern about the borrower's carelessness with the vehicle.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
May not - This implies permission but with a condition or limitation, which does not fit the context of prohibition.
Option B:
Mustn't - This is another form of expressing prohibition and could be correct in some contexts. However, "can't" better fits the given sentence structure as it directly denies the possibility of borrowing the car.
Option C:
Can't - Correct. It expresses a strong prohibition, indicating that borrowing the car is not possible due to the speaker's concern about the borrower's carelessness.
Option D:
Shouldn't - This implies advice or recommendation rather than a strict prohibition, which does not fit the context as well as "can't" does.
29.
As announced by the IATF, children aged 17 below ..... be allowed to go out.
A) Mustn't.
B) Can't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The modal verb "can't" is used to express prohibition, indicating that something is not allowed. In the context of the sentence, it correctly conveys that children aged 17 and below are not permitted to go out according to the IATF announcement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Mustn't" implies a strong prohibition using 'must' as an auxiliary verb with 'not', which is less common in this context.
Option B:
"Can't" accurately expresses the idea of prohibition, fitting well with the sentence structure and meaning.
Option C:
"All the above" suggests both "mustn't" and "can't" are correct, which is not accurate in this case since only one option fits perfectly.
Option D:
"None of the above" is incorrect as "can't" is the appropriate choice.
30.
She plays tennis ..... Fridays.
A) In.
B) On.
C) At.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The preposition "on" is correct because it indicates the day of the week when an activity takes place. In English, we use "on" to specify days and dates for events.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"In" is typically used with months or seasons, not specific days.
Option B:
"On" correctly indicates the day of the week when an activity occurs.
Option C:
"At" is generally used for times and locations, not days of the week.
Option D:
Not applicable as "on" is the correct choice here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are modals of prohibition?
Modals of prohibition, such as "can't," "mustn't," and "shouldn't," are used in English to express rules or prohibitions. They indicate that something is not allowed.
How do modals of prohibition differ from other modal verbs?
Modals of prohibition are used specifically to express prohibitions or rules, whereas other modal verbs like "can," "could," and "may" are used for ability, possibility, permission, and advice.
Can you give an example of a sentence using a modal of prohibition?
Certainly! A sentence like "You mustn't park here" uses the modal verb "mustn't" to prohibit parking in that specific area.
Are there any common day-of-the-week prepositions used with modals of prohibition?
While not directly related, it's important to note that certain days of the week can be used in sentences with modals of prohibition. For example, "You mustn't go out on Sundays." Here, "on" is a preposition indicating the day.
How do I teach children about modals of prohibition?
Teaching children about modals of prohibition can be done through simple, real-life examples. For instance, you might use sentences like "You mustn't touch the hot stove" to illustrate prohibitions in a clear and practical way.