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Quizzes > Literature & Language > English & Grammar

Test Your Skills with the Modal Verb Can Quiz

Ready for verb can exercises? Take the quiz and prove your modal mastery

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration on golden yellow background for modal verb can quiz, featuring letters and grammar icons.

Use this Modal Verb Can quiz to check how you use "can" in real sentences. You'll get quick feedback and short tips, so you can spot mistakes and fix them fast before a test or in everyday talk. When you're done, try another modal quiz and keep going with extra practice .

I ____ swim very well.
should
may
can
must
The modal verb 'can' is used to express ability in the present tense. In this sentence, the speaker is indicating their skill in swimming. Neither 'may', 'must', nor 'should' correctly convey ability. .
____ I leave for a moment?
Must
Can
Shall
May
Here 'can' is used to ask for informal permission. While 'may' is more formal, most speakers use 'can' in everyday conversation. 'Must' expresses obligation and 'shall' suggests futurity or offers. .
He ____ drive yet because he's only 15.
can't
didn't can
don't can
couldn't
The contraction 'can't' is the correct negative form of 'can' in the present tense. 'Don't can' and 'didn't can' misapply auxiliary rules and are grammatically incorrect. 'Couldn't' denotes past inability and does not fit the present context. .
It ____ rain this afternoon, so take an umbrella.
will
could
must
can
The modal verb 'can' is used here to indicate a general possibility. 'Could' often implies a conditional or past possibility, 'must' shows obligation, and 'will' indicates a definite future event. Therefore 'can' is the best choice to express possibility. .
____ you help me move this table?
Can
May
Must
Will
Using 'can' at the beginning of a question is a common way to make an informal request. 'May' is more formal and 'will' asks about willingness. 'Must' is not used for polite requests. .
When I was younger, I ____ run a mile in under six minutes.
may
can
could
will
The modal 'could' is used to describe past ability. 'Can' describes present ability, 'will' refers to the future, and 'may' indicates permission or possibility. Here, the speaker talks about a skill they had in the past. .
____ you pass the salt, please?
Could
Can
Will
Would
'Could' is a polite form of request. While 'can' is also used, 'could' is more courteous. 'Will' asks about willingness and 'would' is often followed by another verb such as 'you'. .
She asked if she ____ stay out late, but her parents said no.
could
can
might
may
In reported speech, 'could' is the past form of 'can' when talking about permission. 'Can' would be used in direct speech. 'May' is formal permission and 'might' suggests a weaker possibility. .
Driving without a license ____ result in a fine.
might
can
should
will
Here 'can' is used to show a possible consequence or outcome. 'Will' indicates a definite result, 'should' gives advice, and 'might' expresses a weaker possibility. 'Can' fits as a general potential. .
You ____ use my phone if you need to.
may
have to
ought to
can
'Can' is used to grant permission in an informal context. 'May' is more formal, 'have to' indicates obligation, and 'ought to' gives advice. Here the speaker is offering permission. .
Not only can she speak French, ____ English fluently.
but
also
and also
but also
With correlative conjunctions, 'not only... but also' is the correct pair. It adds parallel emphasis to abilities. 'And also' is redundant, 'also' alone breaks the parallel structure, and 'but' is incomplete. .
Smoking ____ cause lung cancer.
may
must
will
can
In health statements, 'can' expresses that something is possible as a general fact. 'Must' implies necessity, 'will' indicates certainty, and 'may' is a weaker possibility. Scientific warnings often use 'can' to show risk. .
I ____ help laughing at his joke.
won't
needn't
can't
don't
The phrase 'can't help' is an idiom meaning one is unable to resist an action or feeling. 'Don't', 'won't', and 'needn't' do not form this idiom. The correct structure is 'can't help' followed by a gerund. .
You can swim, ____ you?
can you
can't you
didn't you
do you
After a positive statement with 'can', the question tag is 'can't you?' Tag questions reverse the polarity. 'Can you?' would follow a negative statement. 'Do you?' or 'didn't you?' do not match the modal structure. .
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
I can hardly wait for the concert.
I can't not wait for the concert.
I hardly can wait for the concert.
I cannot hardly wait for the concert.
The idiom 'can hardly wait' correctly expresses eagerness; using 'cannot hardly' creates a double negative. 'Can't not wait' and 'hardly can wait' both misplace or misuse the modal and adverb. 'I can hardly wait' is the standard form. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Apply 'can' to express ability, permission, and possibility -

    Use 'can' accurately in various contexts to discuss abilities, permissions, and possibilities.

  2. Differentiate between affirmative, negative, and interrogative structures -

    Recognize key differences between positive, negative, and question forms of 'can' for clear communication.

  3. Identify and correct common errors in 'can' usage -

    Spot frequent mistakes when using 'can' and apply corrections to avoid misunderstandings.

  4. Construct well-formed sentences using 'can' -

    Build correct affirmative, negative, and interrogative sentences with 'can' to improve fluency.

  5. Evaluate sentence accuracy in quiz scenarios -

    Assess your own responses in the modal verb can quiz to gauge your mastery of modal verb usage.

  6. Strengthen modal verb proficiency with targeted exercises -

    Engage with verb can exercises that reinforce your understanding and boost grammar confidence.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Ability vs. Possibility -

    According to Cambridge University, "can" expresses both physical or mental capacity and theoretical chance. For example, "She can solve complex problems" (ability) versus "It can snow in April" (possibility). Remember: ability = "I can do it now"; possibility = "It can happen."

  2. Permission & Requests -

    Oxford Learner's Dictionary shows "can" is common for informal permission and friendly requests. You might say, "Can I borrow your notes?" or "Can you help me study?" to sound approachable and polite. Swap to "may" for a more formal tone in professional contexts.

  3. Negative Forms & Questions -

    University of Manchester grammar guidelines explain that "can" contracts to "can't" for negatives and inverts in questions. For instance, "He can't attend class" versus "Can he attend class?" helps distinguish statements from inquiries. Consistent practice with inversion cements this pattern.

  4. Past Ability with "Could" -

    British Council resources note that "could" is the past-tense counterpart of "can" for abilities. A mnemonic trick: "Could is old can." Example: "When I was ten, I could run five miles." Use this to avoid mixing present and past contexts.

  5. Avoiding Double Modals -

    Purdue OWL cautions learners against stacking modals (e.g., "can must") in a single clause. Stick to one modal per verb phrase: "She can go" or "She must go," never "She can must go." This rule ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy.

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