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Modals revision and consolidation: Ability and potential Advice and suggestions Expectations
Questions and Answers
1.
Which is the correct sentence? Choose one.
A.
When I was ten, I could run faster than my brother.
B.
When I was ten, I can run faster than my brother.
Correct Answer
A. When I was ten, I could run faster than my brother.
Explanation The correct sentence is "When I was ten, I could run faster than my brother." This sentence is in the past tense and correctly uses the modal verb "could" to indicate the ability to run faster than the brother at that time. The use of "could" shows that the ability was possible in the past but may not be the case anymore.
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2.
Fill in the gap:I _______ no longer play football because I injured my hamstring last week.
Correct Answer can
Explanation The word "can" is the correct answer because it indicates the ability or possibility of the person to no longer play football due to their hamstring injury. It suggests that the injury has affected their ability to participate in the sport.
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3.
Which sentence is the strongest and implies a threat?
A.
You should pay your bills on time.
B.
You had better pay your bills on time.
C.
You could pay your bills on time, you know!
Correct Answer
B. You had better pay your bills on time.
Explanation The sentence "You had better pay your bills on time" is the strongest and implies a threat because it uses the phrase "had better," which suggests a warning or consequence if the action is not taken. This phrase implies that there will be negative consequences or repercussions if the bills are not paid on time.
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4.
Which sentence is the best and has the clearest meaning?
A.
I should pay my bills on time - my electricity got cut off last week!
B.
I could pay my bills on time - my electricity got cut off last week!
C.
I should have paid my bills on time - my electricity got cut off last week!
Correct Answer
C. I should have paid my bills on time - my electricity got cut off last week!
Explanation The correct answer is "I should have paid my bills on time - my electricity got cut off last week!" This sentence is the best and has the clearest meaning because it indicates a regret or missed opportunity in the past. The phrase "should have paid" suggests that the action of paying the bills should have been done in the past to avoid the consequence of the electricity being cut off.
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5.
Fill in the blank. I ___________ gone shopping last night - there was nothing left in the fridge for breakfast this morning!
Correct Answer should have ought to have
Explanation The correct answer is "should have, ought to have" because both phrases express regret or the feeling that something was necessary or expected in the past. In this context, the speaker is expressing that it was necessary for them to go shopping last night because there was nothing left in the fridge for breakfast this morning.
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6.
Fill in the blank. The weather ________________ sunny this weekend. I saw a weather forecast last night that said so.
Correct Answer should be ought to be
Explanation The correct answer is "should be" or "ought to be" because both phrases express an expectation or prediction based on the weather forecast seen the previous night. Both phrases imply that the weather is likely to be sunny this weekend according to the forecast.
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7.
Fill in the blank. - What time does the coach leave tomorrow?- It ______________ at 9.30am, but if people aren't on time, it could be later!
Correct Answer should be leaving should leave ought to be leaving ought to leave
Explanation The correct answer is "should be leaving, should leave, ought to be leaving, ought to leave". These options are all correct because they express the future action of the coach leaving tomorrow. The use of "should" and "ought to" suggests an expectation or recommendation for the coach to leave at 9.30am, but acknowledges the possibility of it being later if people are not on time. Both "should be leaving" and "ought to be leaving" emphasize the ongoing nature of the action. "Should leave" and "ought to leave" simply state the action without emphasizing its ongoing nature.
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8.
Fill in the blank. I ________ been a doctor. I had the grades, but I don't like blood!
A.
Could have
B.
Could
C.
Should have
D.
Ought to have
Correct Answer
A. Could have
Explanation The correct answer is "could have". This is because the sentence is expressing a hypothetical situation in the past. The speaker is saying that they had the ability or potential to become a doctor, but they chose not to pursue it because they don't like blood. "Could have" is used to talk about possibilities or abilities in the past that were not realized.
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9.
Fill in the blanks.Last weekend, I __________ to London to see my cousin. (to go)
Correct Answer went
Explanation The sentence is in the past tense, indicating that the action of going to London already happened. The verb "went" is the past tense form of "to go," making it the correct answer to fill in the blank.
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10.
Fill in the blanks. I ____________ to London for my friend's birthday party because I wasn't in the country. (to go)
Correct Answer couldn't go wasn't able to go
Explanation The correct answer is "couldn't go" and "wasn't able to go". These two options convey the same meaning, indicating that the speaker was unable to attend the birthday party in London because they were not in the country. Both phrases imply a lack of ability or opportunity to go.
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