Let's solve each sentence by choosing the correct modal verb:
SHOULD, CAN, COULD, or WILL. I'll explain the reasoning for each.
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1. If you have a headache, you __________ play videogames.
✔ Shouldn't
👉 This is a
recommendation against doing something due to a health issue.
"Shouldn't" expresses advice not to do something.
Answer: shouldn't
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2. I __________ go swimming with you because I have a broken arm.
✔ Can't
👉 The speaker is
unable to go swimming due to a physical limitation (broken arm).
"Can't" means "not able to."
Answer: can't
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3. If it rains tomorrow, we __________ go to the cinema.
✔ Won’t / Will not
👉 This is a
prediction about a future event based on a condition.
If it rains → we won’t go.
"Will" is used for future predictions.
Answer: won’t
> Note: While "could" might seem possible, it suggests possibility, not certainty. Here, the rain prevents going — so “won’t” is better.
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4. If we have an exam on Monday, we __________ study at the weekend.
✔ Should
👉 This is a
recommendation or
advice.
It’s logical to study if there’s an exam.
"Should" gives advice.
Answer: should
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5. __________ you help me with this, please?
✔ Could
👉 This is a
polite request.
"Could you..." is more polite than "Can you..."
"Can" is direct; "Could" softens the request.
Answer: Could
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6. You __________ take this medicine without a doctor's prescription.
✔ Shouldn't
👉 This is
advice against doing something for safety reasons.
Taking medicine without a prescription is dangerous.
"Shouldn't" = advice not to do it.
Answer: shouldn't
---
7. __________ we go to the forest when we finish the exercises, please?
✔ Could
👉 This is a
polite suggestion or request.
"Could we..." is a common way to ask politely for permission or suggest an idea.
Answer: Could
---
8. Take an umbrella, because it __________ rain later.
✔ Could
👉 This is a
possibility in the future.
"It could rain" means there’s a chance of rain.
"Will" would be too certain; "can" doesn't fit here.
Answer: could
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9. -I'm thirsty. -I __________ bring you some water. -Oh, thank you, you are very nice.
✔ Will
👉 This is a
spontaneous offer.
The person offers to do something immediately.
"Will" is used for spontaneous decisions or offers.
Answer: will
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10. You __________ watch that film; it's really scary.
✔ Shouldn't
👉 This is
advice against watching something because it’s scary.
"Shouldn't" gives a warning or recommendation not to do something.
Answer: shouldn't
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✔ Final Answers:
1.
shouldn't
2.
can't
3.
won't
4.
should
5.
Could
6.
shouldn't
7.
Could
8.
could
9.
will
10.
shouldn't
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🔍 Summary of Modal Uses:
-
Should / Shouldn't: Advice, recommendations
-
Can / Can't: Ability, permission, possibility
-
Could: Polite requests, suggestions, possibilities
-
Will / Won't: Future predictions, spontaneous offers
Let me know if you'd like this turned into a printable worksheet!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of would could should worksheet.
