Modals and Conditionals Quiz

What type of conditional is this? If you heat water to 100 degrees Celsius, it boils.

1. first conditional
2. zero conditional
3. second conditional
4. third conditional

Answer: (b) zero conditional

What type of conditional is this? If I were the principal, I would give every student a holiday.

1. second conditional
2. third conditional
3. first conditional
4. zero conditional

Answer: (a) second conditional

In which sentence does the modal express past ability?

1. She can recite all the poems by heart.
2. She could swim across the lake when she was five.
3. She must have finished her homework by now.
4. She may arrive late due to traffic.

Answer: (b) She could swim across the lake when she was five.

Choose the sentence that demonstrates a modal of prohibition.

1. You may not enter the restricted zone without clearance.
2. You could try a different approach.
3. You shall receive the award soon.
4. You might find this book interesting.

Answer: (a) You may not enter the restricted zone without clearance.

Choose the correct verbs to express a mixed conditional—past action affecting a present result. Had she not wasted those years, she __________ closer to finishing her doctorate, __________ more confident in her field, and __________ academic recognition by now.

1. would be, is, gets
2. had been, had felt, got
3. was, feels, has gained
4. would be, would feel, would have gained

Answer: (d) would be, would feel, would have gained

Choose the pair of modals that best completes the sentence to express possibility and polite request. Despite the weather forecast, it ________ still rain later in the evening, so you ________ consider carrying an umbrella.

1. should, must
2. may, might
3. might, should
4. must, would

Answer: (c) might, should

Choose the modals that correctly express regret and past advice. You ________ have spoken more calmly during the meeting; it ________ helped avoid the argument.

1. should, could have
2. must, would
3. shall, may
4. would, might

Answer: (a) should, could have

Select the modals that best express ability in the past and uncertainty in the present. She ________ play four instruments when she was younger, but now she ________ remember only one tune.

1. might, shall
2. could, can
3. could, might
4. should, would

Answer: (c) could, might

Which of the following expresses a mixed conditional correctly?

1. If she studies harder, she would have topped the exam.
2. If she had taken the train, she would be here by now.
3. If she takes the train, she would be here.
4. If she had studied harder, she gets good grades.

Answer: (b) If she had taken the train, she would be here by now.

Choose the sentence that uses the third conditional correctly:

1. If he had taken the medicine, he will feel better.
2. If he took the medicine, he would feel better.
3. If he takes the medicine, he would have felt better.
4. If he had taken the medicine, he would have felt better.

Answer: (d) If he had taken the medicine, he would have felt better.