Mastering English Grammar: Modals, Conditionals & More

Conjunctions and Conditional Clauses

Exercise 1: Completing Sentences with Conjunctions

1. I'm pretty sure you can't explain what you're doing, unless you show me.
2. We're going to the beach tomorrow, even if it rains.
3. You can borrow my camera, but first you must promise to return it as long as it's in good condition.
4. We're too late for the train. Taking a taxi won't help, even if we hurry.
5. I'm not planning to call the doctor, but I will unless I feel better soon.

Exercise 2: Modals and Conditional Sentences

2. I definitely wouldn't have finished the project without your help.
3. Where would you live if you could choose anywhere in the world?
4. They won't give you a refund unless you have the receipt.
5. I usually walk to college, but I might go by bus if it rains.
6. Even if you phone the doctor really early, you might not get an appointment today.

Expressing Wishes and Hypothetical Situations

Exercise 3: Using "Wish" and "If Only"

1. B: That's not true! I wish you would stop interrupting me.

2. B: Yes. I wish we were on vacation right now.

   A: If only we could call them to confirm.

3. A: If only the bus would come soon!

   B: I know! I wish I had put on a warmer coat.

Reporting Information: Passive Voice & Impersonal Constructions

Exercise 4: Transforming Sentences with Reporting Verbs

1. Original: Evidence suggests that this necklace is over 2,000 years old.

   Transformation: It is believed to be over 2,000 years old.

2. Original: People are saying she's very ill. (rumour)

   Transformation: She is rumored to be very ill.

3. Original: Many people feel that Cervantes was one of the greatest writers.

   Transformation: Cervantes is considered to be one of the greatest writers in the Spanish language.

4. Original: They reckon someone started the fires deliberately.

   Transformation: Someone is thought to have started the fires deliberately.

Deductions and Possibilities in the Past

Exercise 5: Dialogue Practice with Modals of Deduction

Dialogue 1: An Accident

A: I was coming home when something might have gone wrong with the brakes.

B: Well, you were really lucky! A car could have come around the corner.

A: I know. Look at my finger. I think I might have broken it.

B: Well, that’s good. It might not be as bad as it looks.

Dialogue 2: Missing Call

B: I don’t know why he hasn't called back. He might not have checked his phone.

A: Yeah, or he might have forgotten to charge it again!

Ability, Permission, and Obligation

Exercise 6: Modals of Ability and Permission

1. We couldn't sit down because the grass was wet.
2. My grandson takes sweets to school, but when I was young I wasn’t allowed to take any snacks to school.
3. You mustn’t fish here. The sign clearly says, ‘No fishing’.
4. After walking around the shops for hours, I finally managed to find a jacket I like!
5. I’m really bad at winter sports! I’ve certainly never been able to ski well.
6. You must stand behind the yellow line at the train station. Do not cross the yellow line.
7. Xavier’s a fast learner. He could read when he was only three years old.

Giving Advice and Expressing Obligation

Exercise 7: Using "Ought To" and "Had Better"

Complete the dialogues using the correct form of "ought to" or "had better" and the verbs: eat, get, leave, put, take, say, use.

1. A: They spend too much time watching TV.

   B: Yes, they ought to get more exercise.

2. A: I told him he talks too much.

   B: You ought not to say things like that!

3. A: The sun’s really strong today.

   B: Yes, we ’d better use plenty of sun cream or we’ll get burned.

4. A: I’m going to wash this jumper.

   B: Wait! You ’d better not put it in the washing machine! Best to wash it by hand.

5. A: Angela’s family are all vegetarian now.

   B: I think we ought to eat less meat.

6. A: My bag’s in the car.

   B: You ought not to leave it there. It might get stolen.