MODAL VERBS
Could, might, ought to, and have to
Example
Explanation
You could have an accident
You might get hurt
Could and might show there is a
chance that something will happen in
the future
You look tired. You ought to go home.
You ought to wear your seat belt all the
time
Use ought to to give advice and to
show there is one correct way to do
something.
You have to lock the door when you leave
Use have to to show something is
necessary
MODAL VERBS EXERCISES
A.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Write a,b,c, or d in the blank to show how the modal or expression is used.
To show there is a chance something will happen
To give advice
To show there is one correct way to do something
To show that something is necessary
Example: __b__ You ought to take the family leave when the baby is born.
1.______ Don´t smoke in the storeroom. It could start a fire.
2. ______ You have to take shorter breaks.
3.-______ The smaller boxes ought to go on top of the bigger boxes.
4-_______Everyone has to pay taxes
5._______ You might get a raise if you work hard
6.-______ You ought to arrive on time if you don´t want to get in trouble
7.-______ You have to wear shoes in the factory.
8.-______ The manager ought to pay me $ 14 an hour. It´s in my contract
9.-______ They might open another office down the street.
10._____ You´ve worked hard. You ought to ask for bonus.
B. Underline the better modal
Example: It´s good to have disability insurance. You (have to/ could) get sick
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
If you want my advice, you (might /ought to) take the new job
All full- time employees (could / have to) take the new job
I´m not sure, but I (might / have to) work at least 35 hours a week.
If you want to, you (could / have to) ask for a day off.
All part - time employees (might / have to) work less than 20 hours a week.
You (might / ought to) be nicer to the boss if you want a raise.
You (might / have to) get a raise if you´re nicer to her.
The U.S. government (ought to / has to) give everyone free health insurance.