About this quiz
20 questions on can, could, may, might, must, should, ought to, need and would.
This Lok Sewa practice set has 20 multiple-choice questions (Subject: English · For: Kharidar, Nayab Subba, Section Officer · Level: Medium). Take the quiz above first; after that, use the study list below to revise every question with its correct answer and a short explanation.
Study list: all 20 questions with answers and explanations
You ___ wear a seat belt while driving; it is the law.
- A) might
- B) must ✔
- C) would
- D) could
Why: "Must" shows a strong rule or obligation.
___ I come in, sir?
- A) Must
- B) May ✔
- C) Should
- D) Will
Why: "May" is the polite, formal way to ask for permission.
She ___ speak three languages fluently.
- A) can ✔
- B) must
- C) should
- D) need
Why: "Can" shows present ability. Speaking three languages is a skill she has, so "can" fits; "must" and "should" show duty or advice.
You ___ smoke inside the hospital.
- A) must not ✔
- B) need not
- C) would not
- D) might not
Why: "Must not" shows prohibition (it is not allowed).
You ___ see a doctor if the pain continues.
- A) should ✔
- B) would
- C) might
- D) can
Why: "Should" is used to give advice.
His car is not here. He ___ have left already.
- A) must ✔
- B) should
- C) need
- D) ought
Why: "Must have + past participle" shows a strong guess about the past.
When I was young, I ___ swim very fast.
- A) can
- B) could ✔
- C) may
- D) must
Why: "Could" shows ability in the past.
Take an umbrella. It ___ rain this afternoon.
- A) must
- B) might ✔
- C) should
- D) need
Why: "Might" shows that something is possible but not certain. Rain this afternoon is only a possibility, so "might" is correct.
You ___ come to the office tomorrow; it is a holiday.
- A) must not
- B) need not ✔
- C) should not
- D) could not
Why: "Need not" means it is not necessary.
We ___ to respect our elders.
- A) should
- B) must
- C) ought ✔
- D) would
Why: "Ought" is always followed by "to": "ought to respect".
I ___ rather stay at home tonight.
- A) would ✔
- B) should
- C) could
- D) might
Why: "Would rather" is a fixed phrase that shows preference, as in "I would rather stay home than go out".
___ you please pass the salt?
- A) Must
- B) Could ✔
- C) Should
- D) Need
Why: "Could you please...?" is a polite request.
He ___ be ill; I just saw him playing football.
- A) can't ✔
- B) mustn't
- C) shouldn't
- D) needn't
Why: "Can't be" shows a strong belief that something is not true.
If I were you, I ___ apologise to her.
- A) will
- B) would ✔
- C) shall
- D) can
Why: "If I were you, I would..." is used to give advice.
You ___ have told me earlier! Now it is too late.
- A) should ✔
- B) must
- C) can
- D) may
Why: "Should have + past participle" shows criticism or regret about the past.
Students ___ submit the form by Friday.
- A) has to
- B) have to ✔
- C) having to
- D) had to be
Why: Plural subject "Students" takes "have to".
She ___ finish the report yesterday, so she stayed late.
- A) has to
- B) had to ✔
- C) must
- D) ought
Why: "Had to" is the past form of "must/have to".
___ I help you carry your bags?
- A) Shall ✔
- B) Must
- C) Need
- D) Ought
Why: "Shall I...?" is used to make an offer.
Which modal is used for formal permission?
- A) can
- B) may ✔
- C) must
- D) should
Why: "May" is the formal modal for permission.
"You needn't have bought milk." This means:
- A) You did not buy milk, and it was necessary.
- B) You bought milk, but it was not necessary. ✔
- C) You must buy milk now.
- D) You should not buy milk in future.
Why: "Needn't have + past participle" means the action was done but was unnecessary.