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All questions of Modal Verbs for ACT Exam

Complete the following exercise with past modal verbs. Use the correct form of the verbs in parentheses. Choose between affirmative and negative.
I got a C on my math test. I ____________ (should / do) better than that. 
Correct answer is 'should have done'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Rana answered
"I got a C on my math test. I should have done better than that."
"We use 'should have done' in this context because it expresses a sense of moral obligation or expectation. It implies that the speaker believes they had the ability or expectation to achieve a better result on the math test. It indicates a feeling of regret or disappointment that they did not perform as well as they believe they could or should have."

Smallest cranial nerve :-
  • a)
    Abducens
  • b)
    Optic
  • c)
    Olfactory
  • d)
    Auditory
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Raghav Bansal answered
The abducens nerve (or abducent nerve) is the sixth cranial nerve (CNVI), in humans, that controls the movement of the lateral rectus muscle, responsible for outward gaze.

Fortunately, I .... working alone otherwise I would have got really bored at the night shift.
  • a)
    was supposed to
  • b)
    was to
  • c)
     was used to
  • d)
    would
  • e)
    used to
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Ritu Menon answered
Explanation:

The given sentence is in the past tense, which suggests that the speaker is talking about a past experience or situation. The sentence talks about the speaker's experience of working alone during the night shift.

The correct answer is "was used to" because it implies that the speaker was accustomed to working alone during the night shift, and it was not a new or uncomfortable experience for them.

Let's break down the options and see why they are incorrect:

a) "was supposed to" implies that there was some expectation or obligation for the speaker to work alone during the night shift, but it doesn't convey the idea that the speaker was comfortable with it.

b) "was" is a simple past tense verb that doesn't convey any sense of habit or routine, so it doesn't fit in the context of the sentence.

c) "was used to" is the correct answer because it implies that the speaker had become accustomed to working alone during the night shift, and it was a familiar experience for them.

d) "would" suggests a hypothetical or conditional situation, which doesn't fit in the context of the sentence.

e) "used to" is incorrect because it is a present tense verb that doesn't match the past tense of the sentence.

In summary, the correct answer is "was used to" because it accurately conveys the idea that the speaker was accustomed to working alone during the night shift.

Don't be so hard on yourself. It ______ (may / be) your fault. 
Correct answer is 'may not have been'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Rana answered
Don't be so hard on yourself. It may not have been your fault.
Here, "may" is used to convey a sense of possibility and to offer comfort and support to the listener by suggesting that the situation might not be entirely their fault.

The rest of the class did pretty well. I _____ (should / study) harder. 
Correct answer is 'should have studied'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Rana answered
The correct modal verb to use in this context is "should."
So the complete sentence would be: "The rest of the class did pretty well. I should have studied harder."
"Should" is used to express obligation, duty, or advisability.

As a young woman who had never given birth before, she ---- what the experience of childbirth ---- like.
  • a)
    doesn't know / will be
  • b)
    may not know / is
  • c)
    must not have known / will be
  • d)
    may not know / would be
  • e)
    couldn't have known / would be
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Vikas Kapoor answered
The speaker is 100% sure about the reason as the young woman did not give birth earlier, also couldn't have known is used to show 100% certainty. Might, May etc shows chances of other possibilities, hence couldn't have known is the correct answer.

I don't know why she didn't ask me how to do it as I ---- her.
  • a)
    must have helped
  • b)
    could have helped
  • c)
    might help
  • d)
    should have helped
  • e)
    could help
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Divya Saha answered
Explanation:

This question is based on the concept of modal verbs and their usage in different situations. Modal verbs are used to express different degrees of possibility, ability, permission, obligation, etc. Let's look at the options one by one.

(a) "must have helped" - This option implies a strong obligation or certainty about the past action. It suggests that the speaker is sure that he helped the person, and it is surprising that she did not ask for help. However, this option does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about a missed opportunity to offer help.

(b) "could have helped" - This option suggests a possibility or potential for helping, but it also implies that the speaker did not actually help the person. It fits the context of the sentence, which is about a missed opportunity to offer help. The speaker is saying that he had the ability to help, but the other person did not ask for it.

(c) "might help" - This option suggests a possibility or potential for helping, but it is weaker than "could have helped". It implies that the speaker is not sure if he would have been able to help or not. It does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about a missed opportunity to offer help.

(d) "should have helped" - This option implies a moral obligation or duty to help, and it suggests that the speaker failed to fulfill that obligation. It does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about a missed opportunity to offer help.

(e) "could help" - This option suggests a potential for helping in the present or future. It does not fit the context of the sentence, which is about a missed opportunity to offer help.

Therefore, the correct answer is (b) "could have helped".

We all think that Maria ---- an interesting person to meet as we ---- a lot of stories about her so far.
  • a)
     is / had heard
  • b)
    can be / heard
  • c)
    might have been / hear
  • d)
    would be / have heard
  • e)
    will be / will have heard
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishna Iyer answered
In the sentence, the persons are making imagination, in the future he/she will come to know the reality, so the future tense verb will be used i.e. would be.
We all think that Maria would be an interesting person to meet as we have heared a lot of stories about her so far.
 

No, I _________ (ought to / copy) them. 
Correct answer is 'ought to copy'. Can you explain this answer?

Meera Rana answered
No, I ought to copy them.
This modal verb expresses obligation or duty. When used in this context, it implies that there is a moral or social expectation for the speaker to copy the problems. It suggests that copying them is the right or appropriate thing to do based on some standard of behavior or responsibility.

Some UFO sightings ---- (not explain) easily. No one is able to explain them easily.
Correct answer is 'cannot be explained'. Can you explain this answer?

Ishani Rane answered
 
Some UFO sightings cannot be explained easily. No one is able to explain them easily.
In the sentence "Some UFO sightings cannot be explained easily," the modal verb "cannot" is used to express impossibility or extreme difficulty in achieving something—in this case, the act of explaining certain UFO sightings. The nature of these sightings is often mysterious, lacking clear evidence, definitive characteristics, or reliable eyewitness accounts, which makes forming a logical, scientific explanation challenging.

What ---- to Phil? He said he ---- here at eight o'clock.
  • a)
    can have happened / would be. 
  • b)
    should have happened / has been
  • c)
    may happen / will have been
  • d)
    would happen / is
  • e)
    might have happened / will be
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?

Avinash Sharma answered
Correct option is E. might have happened / will be
This is the correct choice because the first part "What might have happened to Phil?" is a speculation about what could have possibly occurred to Phil. The second part "He said he will be here at eight o'clock." is referring to a future event that Phil had planned. Both parts are grammatically correct and contextually appropriate. The other options do not fit contextually and/or are grammatically incorrect.

Your daughter has a good voice. Her interest in singing ---- (encourage).
Correct answer is 'should be encouraged'. Can you explain this answer?

Varun Kulkarni answered
Encouraging Your Daughter's Singing Interest

There are different ways to encourage your daughter's interest in singing. Here's an explanation of why "must be encouraged" is the correct answer to the given statement.

Why "Must Be Encouraged"?

  • Using "must" emphasizes the importance of encouraging your daughter's interest in singing. It suggests that it is crucial to do so.

  • The phrase "must be encouraged" implies that it is an ongoing process that requires consistent support and motivation.

  • Encouraging your daughter's singing interest can help her develop her skills and confidence in this area, which can benefit her in various ways.



Ways to Encourage Your Daughter's Singing Interest

  • Listen to her sing and provide positive feedback. This can help build her confidence and motivate her to continue practicing.

  • Encourage her to participate in singing competitions or performances, which can give her opportunities to showcase her talent and receive constructive feedback.

  • Provide her with resources for improving her singing skills, such as vocal lessons or online tutorials.

  • Show interest in her progress and offer support and encouragement, even if she faces challenges or setbacks.

  • Connect her with other singers or musicians who share her interests, which can help her build a network and gain inspiration.



Conclusion

Encouraging your daughter's singing interest can help her develop her skills and confidence in this area, which can benefit her in various ways. Using "must be encouraged" emphasizes the importance of providing consistent support and motivation for her singing journey. By listening to her sing, providing positive feedback, offering resources and support, and connecting her with others who share her passion, you can help your daughter pursue her singing goals.

Try to speak slowly when you give your speech, If you don't, some of your words ---- (misunderstand).
Correct answer is 'might be misunderstood'. Can you explain this answer?

Rhea Gutgutia answered
Slow speech to avoid Misunderstandings

Introduction: Speaking clearly and slowly is important to ensure that your message is conveyed effectively. If you speak too fast, your audience may not be able to keep up with what you are saying, and some of your words may be misunderstood.

The problem: Misunderstandings can occur when words are not pronounced clearly or when they are spoken too quickly. This can be frustrating for both the speaker and the listener, as it can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

The solution: Speaking slowly is the key to avoiding misunderstandings. When you speak slowly, you give your audience time to process what you are saying and to understand the meaning behind your words. This will help to ensure that your message is conveyed clearly and effectively.

Benefits of speaking slowly:

- Helps to improve communication: Speaking slowly allows you to be more articulate and precise, which can help to improve the clarity of your message. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and improve overall communication.

- Makes it easier for your audience to follow along: When you speak slowly, your audience has more time to process what you are saying, which can make it easier for them to follow along and understand your message.

- Can help to reduce anxiety: Speaking too quickly can make you feel anxious and nervous, which can impact your performance. Speaking slowly can help to reduce anxiety and improve your overall confidence.

Conclusion: In conclusion, speaking slowly is important to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your message is conveyed effectively. By taking the time to speak clearly and at a reasonable pace, you can improve communication, make it easier for your audience to follow along, and reduce anxiety.

Five of the committee members will be unable to attend the next meeting. In my opinion, the meeting ---- (postpone).
Correct answer is 'should be postponed'. Can you explain this answer?

Rohit Chavan answered
Explanation:

Context:
Five committee members will be unable to attend the next meeting.

Opinion:
In my opinion, the meeting should be postponed.

Reasoning:
- When a significant number of committee members are unable to attend a meeting, it can hinder the effectiveness and productivity of the meeting.
- The absence of five committee members could result in a lack of quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct official business.
- Without a quorum, important decisions cannot be made and the meeting may not be considered valid.
- Postponing the meeting allows for all committee members to be present, ensuring that decisions are made collectively and that everyone's input is considered.
- By rescheduling the meeting, the committee can maximize attendance and ensure that all members have the opportunity to contribute and participate in the decision-making process.
- Postponing the meeting also demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and respect for the committee members who are unable to attend due to various reasons such as personal or professional obligations.
- It allows for better collaboration and the opportunity for all members to be fully engaged in the discussions and decision-making process.
- Additionally, rescheduling the meeting shows that the committee values the time and effort of its members and wants to create an environment where everyone's contributions are valued and taken into account.

Conclusion:
Considering the absence of five committee members, it is advisable to postpone the meeting to ensure a productive and inclusive decision-making process.

Don't be so hard on yourself. It just ______ (could / be) a more difficult test than usual. 
Correct answer is 'could have been'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

The correct answer is "could have been" because it is a past tense modal verb phrase that indicates a possibility or hypothetical scenario in the past. Here's a breakdown of the grammar and meaning:

- "Could" is a modal verb that expresses possibility or ability.
- "Have" is the auxiliary verb that indicates the perfect aspect, which implies completed or ongoing action in the past.
- "Been" is the past participle of the verb "be" and is used to form the perfect aspect or passive voice.

Together, "could have been" suggests that the speaker is considering the possibility that the test was more difficult than usual, but is not certain. It also implies that the test is already over and the results are known, as the discussion is in the past tense.

Here's an example of the phrase in context:

- "I can't believe I did so poorly on that test. I studied so hard."
- "Don't be so hard on yourself. It just could have been a more difficult test than usual."

HTML breakdown:

Explanation:

  • The correct answer is "could have been" because it is a past tense modal verb phrase that indicates a possibility or hypothetical scenario in the past.

  • "Could" is a modal verb that expresses possibility or ability.

  • "Have" is the auxiliary verb that indicates the perfect aspect, which implies completed or ongoing action in the past.

  • "Been" is the past participle of the verb "be" and is used to form the perfect aspect or passive voice.

  • Together, "could have been" suggests that the speaker is considering the possibility that the test was more difficult than usual, but is not certain. It also implies that the test is already over and the results are known, as the discussion is in the past tense.

  • Here's an example of the phrase in context:


    • "I can't believe I did so poorly on that test. I studied so hard."

    • "Don't be so hard on yourself. It just could have been a more difficult test than usual."


After the voyaging ship was wrecked during a storm at sea, unfortunately, only two of the men on board .... swim to the small island nearby.
  • a)
    might
  • b)
    were supposed to
  • c)
    could
  • d)
    were able to
  • e)
    had to
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Nidhi Khanna answered
Explanation:

The sentence talks about an unfortunate incident where a ship was wrecked during a storm at sea, and only two of the men on board were able to swim to the small island nearby. The correct option to fill in the blank is "were able to". Here's why:

Headings:
- Context
- Meaning of options
- Elimination process
- Conclusion

Context:
- The sentence talks about a storm that caused a shipwreck and only two men could swim to an island nearby.

Meaning of options:
- Might: This option means that the two men "might" have swum to the island, but we cannot be sure. It does not convey a definite meaning, so it is not the correct answer.
- Were supposed to: This option means that the two men were "supposed to" swim to the island, but it does not convey whether they actually did or not. It is not the correct answer.
- Could: This option means that the two men "could" have swum to the island, but it does not convey whether they actually did or not. It is not the correct answer.
- Were able to: This option means that the two men "were able to" swim to the island, which is the correct meaning conveyed by the sentence.
- Had to: This option means that the two men "had to" swim to the island, but it does not convey whether they actually did or not. It is not the correct answer.

Elimination process:
- We can eliminate the options "might", "were supposed to", "could", and "had to" because they do not convey the correct meaning in the given sentence.
- The only option remaining is "were able to".

Conclusion:
- The correct option to fill in the blank is "were able to" because it conveys the meaning that only two men were capable of swimming to the island.

What  you _______ (could / do) differently? 
Correct answer is 'could have done'. Can you explain this answer?

Pranav Singh answered
The correct answer is 'could have done'.

Explanation:

When we use the phrase "could have done," we are referring to a past action or decision that could have been done differently. It indicates a missed opportunity or a different choice that could have been made.

Example:
Imagine you are reflecting on a situation in the past where you made a mistake or could have acted differently. You might say:

"I could have done things differently."

In this sentence, "could have done" suggests that you had the ability or opportunity to make a different choice or take a different action at that time.

Usage:
"Could have done" is used to express regret, reflect on past actions, or consider alternative possibilities. It emphasizes the idea that something different was possible in the past but was not ultimately done.

Example:
Here are a few examples of how "could have done" is used in different contexts:

1. Regret:
- "I could have studied harder for the exam."
- "I could have been more supportive during their difficult time."

2. Reflection on past actions:
- "I could have handled the situation better."
- "I could have chosen a different career path."

3. Alternative possibilities:
- "We could have taken a different route to avoid traffic."
- "She could have chosen a different restaurant for dinner."

In all these examples, "could have done" acknowledges that a different choice or action was possible in the past but was not pursued.

Conclusion:

The correct answer "could have done" is used to discuss past actions or decisions that could have been done differently. It expresses regret, reflection, or alternative possibilities.

What? You tripped over a chair at the party and dropped your plate of food into a woman's lap? You ---- (embarrass)!
Correct answer is 'must have been embarrassed'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishna Iyer answered
What? You tripped over a chair at the party and dropped your plate of food into a woman's lap? You must be embarrased!
This construction implies a strong likelihood or assumption. In this context, it suggests that it's highly probable or expected for the person to feel embarrassed given the situation described. It's a natural response to such an embarrassing event.

I ______ go to the club with you on Saturday, but I am visiting my parents and am not sure if they have made plans for me.
Correct answer is 'could'. Can you explain this answer?

EduRev GMAT answered
I could go to the club with you on Saturday, but I am visiting my parents and am not sure if they have made plans for me.
Could there is a chance of going to the club, but it is not certain. Also acceptable is ‘might’.
In the response, I used the modal verb "can" to express possibility or ability. This modal verb indicates that the person has the capability or option to join at the club on Saturday, given that they are not certain about their parents' plans. It's a polite and open-ended way of suggesting that they are welcome to join if their situation allows. Using "can" in this context acknowledges the individual's agency and the uncertainty of their availability due to their parents' potential plans.

 The entire valley ---- (see) from their mountain home.
Correct answer is 'can be seen'. Can you explain this answer?

Kamakshi Singh answered
Explanation:

The sentence is in the present tense and talks about a current situation. It describes the view from a mountain home and implies that the entire valley is visible from there.

Subject-verb agreement:
- The subject of the sentence is 'the entire valley', which is singular.
- The correct verb form to use with a singular subject is 'can be seen'.

Meaning:
- 'Can be seen' means that the valley is visible or able to be seen from the mountain home.
- This makes sense in the context of the sentence, as it describes a view from a high vantage point.

Other possible verb forms:
- 'Is seen' would also be grammatically correct, but 'can be seen' is more idiomatic and natural-sounding in this context.
- 'Sees' is incorrect because it would imply that the valley is the one doing the seeing, rather than being seen.

Conclusion:
- Overall, 'can be seen' is the most appropriate verb form to use in this sentence, as it is grammatically correct and conveys the intended meaning clearly and accurately.

When the lion attacks, the giraffe ______ escape. It has an even chance of doing so.
Correct answer is 'might'. Can you explain this answer?

Explanation:

Context:
In the given scenario, the lion is attacking the giraffe, and the question is about the giraffe's chances of escaping from the lion's attack.

Probability of Escape:
- When it is mentioned that the giraffe "might" escape, it indicates that there is a possibility of the giraffe managing to get away from the lion.
- The word "might" suggests uncertainty and implies that the outcome of the giraffe escaping is not guaranteed.

Factors affecting Escape:
- The giraffe's chances of escaping depend on various factors such as its speed, agility, environment, and the lion's proximity and hunting tactics.
- Giraffes are known for their speed and ability to run swiftly, which could increase their likelihood of escaping from a predator like a lion.

Even Chance:
- The statement "It has an even chance of doing so" implies that the giraffe has an equal probability of escaping as it does of not escaping.
- This suggests that the giraffe's chances of escaping are uncertain and could go either way.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the word "might" indicates the uncertainty of the giraffe's escape, while the phrase "even chance" suggests that the probability of escape is equal to the probability of not escaping. Therefore, the giraffe has a fair but uncertain chance of escaping from the lion's attack.

Jessica (should/must) revise her notes before the exam.
Correct answer is 'should'. Can you explain this answer?

Devansh Shah answered
Reason for 'should' over 'must':

1. Recommendation:
Jessica is advised to revise her notes before the exam. The word 'should' implies a suggestion or recommendation, rather than a requirement or obligation.

2. Flexibility:
Using 'should' gives Jessica the flexibility to decide whether or not to revise her notes. It suggests that it would be beneficial for her to do so but does not impose a strict mandate.

3. Courtesy:
By using 'should' instead of 'must', the sentence conveys a polite and considerate tone. It shows that the speaker is offering advice rather than giving a command.

4. Possibility of alternative actions:
If 'must' were used instead of 'should', it would imply that there is no choice for Jessica but to revise her notes. However, by using 'should', it leaves room for other study methods or strategies that Jessica may find more effective.

5. Encouragement:
The word 'should' can also be seen as an encouragement for Jessica to take the initiative to review her notes, rather than feeling pressured or obligated to do so.
In conclusion, the use of 'should' in the sentence "Jessica should revise her notes before the exam" is appropriate as it conveys a gentle recommendation, allows for flexibility, maintains a polite tone, and encourages Jessica to take responsibility for her study habits.

I found this book on my desk when I came to class. It (leave) by one of the students in the earlier class.
Correct answer is 'must have been left'. Can you explain this answer?

Krishna Iyer answered
I found this book on my desk when I came to class. It must have been left by one of the students in the earlier class.
In this context, finding a book on your desk that wasn't there before suggests that it was left there by someone else, presumably during a time you were not present, such as an earlier class. "Must" is a modal verb that indicates a high degree of certainty about a past action, especially when direct evidence or firsthand knowledge is lacking but the circumstances strongly point to a specific conclusion.

‘Now I am here, I ____ give you your Christmas gift. Here it is.’
Correct answer is 'can'. Can you explain this answer?

Chirag Roy answered
Explanation:

Use of 'can' in the sentence:
- In this sentence, the word 'can' is used to indicate the ability or permission to do something in the present moment.
- The speaker is stating that they are physically present now and therefore have the ability to give the Christmas gift at that moment.

Explanation of the sentence:
- The sentence implies that the speaker was not able to give the gift before but is now able to do so because they are present.
- It also suggests that the act of giving the gift is happening in the present moment, emphasizing the immediacy of the action.

Importance of using 'can':
- Using 'can' in this context is important because it conveys the idea that the speaker is currently in a position to give the gift, which adds a sense of urgency and immediacy to the statement.
- It also highlights the fact that the speaker's presence is essential for the gift-giving to take place, making the act more personal and meaningful.
In conclusion, the use of 'can' in the sentence effectively communicates the speaker's ability to give the Christmas gift in the present moment, emphasizing the significance of their presence in the exchange.

Martin ---- my tennis racket without asking my permission. I got really angry with him.
  • a)
    needn't have taken
  • b)
    must not have taken
  • c)
    shouldn't have taken
  • d)
    didn't need to taken
  • e)
    might not have taken
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Superk Vaidya answered
Option A is incorrect because there is no mention whether he needed it or not. It is specifically for taking the tennis racket without permission. Option B is incorrect because "must" is a word use for ethical behaviour which is not relevant here. Option D is grammatically incorrect. Option E is again irrelevant because of past tense. So, only Option C is valid as it relates to the permission that Martin did not take.

The path of reflex arc is shown in the given figure. Identify the different labellings A, B, C, D, E, F and select the correct option
  • a)
    a
  • b)
    b
  • c)
    c
  • d)
    d
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

To identify the different labels A, B, C, D, E, F in the reflex arc path:

- A (a): stimulus.
- B (b): Receptor
- C (c): Sensory neuron that carries the impulse to the central nervous system (CNS).
- D (d): Motor neuron that transmits the response from the CNS.
- E: (d) Effector (muscle or gland) that produces the response.

In the given image, label B represents the sensory neuron carrying the impulse to the CNS.

Chapter doubts & questions for Modal Verbs - English for ACT 2025 is part of ACT exam preparation. The chapters have been prepared according to the ACT exam syllabus. The Chapter doubts & questions, notes, tests & MCQs are made for ACT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, notes, meanings, examples, exercises, MCQs and online tests here.

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