Relative Pronouns

 

SubjectObjectPossessive
whowho(m)whose
whichwhichwhose
thatthat
  • who and whom for people
  • which for things.
  • that for people or things

Usage

  • after a noun:

– The chapel that Baelor built.

– The person who discovered the prisoner’s secret .

– An eighth-grader who attempted to skip school.

 

  • to tell more about a person or thing:

– My sister, who studied abroad, has always been insightful.

– Lord Frey, who was 98, has just died.

– We had lemon cakes, which are Sansa’s favorite.

 

  • do not use that as a subject:

 

  • whose as the possessive form of who:

– This is Gregor, whose brother went to war with me.

 

  • whom / who as the object of a verb or preposition:

– This is Robb, whom you met at my daughter’s wedding. / This is Robb, who you met at my daughter’s wedding.

 

  • whom or which after a preposition:

– I had an uncle in Westeros, from who[m] I inherited a castle.

– We brought an axe, with which we cut up all the firewood.

or

  • preposition at the end of the clause:

– I had an uncle in Westeros who[m] I inherited a castle from.

– We brought an axe, which we cut all the firewood up with.

or

  • that at the beginning of the clause:

– I had an uncle in Westeros that I inherited a castle from.

– We brought an axe that we cut all the firewood up with.

Present Simple

Usage:

  • for statements that are true all the time

I come from Spain.

Maria lives in Madrid.

They have two dogs.

Forms:

  • positive

I/You drink coffee at breakfast.

He/She/It drinks coffee at breakfast.

We/They drink coffee at breakfast.

  • Negative

I/You don’t drink coffee at breakfast.

He/She/It doesn’t drink coffee at breakfast.

We/They don’t drink coffee at breakfast.

  • Questions

Do I/you drink coffee at breakfast?

Does he/she/it drink coffee at breakfast?

Do we/they drink coffee at breakfast?

  • Short Answers

Yes, I/you do drink coffee at breakfast.

Yes, he/she/it does drink coffee at breakfast.

Yes, we/they do drink coffee at breakfast.

No, I/you don’t drink coffee at breakfast.

No, he/she/it doesn’t drink coffee at breakfast.

No, we/they don’t drink coffee at breakfast.

Spelling Rules: 3rd Person Singular Pronouns

  • verb ending in a consonant + y → i + es

marry → He marries Lucy today.

  • verbs ending in tch, ss, x, sh or z → + es.

pitch → He pitches his tent far from the river.

discuss → The teacher discusses climate change to 4th graders.

mix → The gardener mixes the soil with fertilizer.

blush → She blushes when complimented.

  • irregular verbs

I am → he/she/it is

I don’t → he/she/it doesn’t

I haven’t  →  he/she/it hasn’t

Intensifiers So Such Too Enough

Intensifiers are modifiers that function to give force or emphasize emotional context to the word used with them. Some of the most common intensifiers are:

so, such, too, enough

Intensifier So

  • The intensifier so functions like “very”.

This car is so old.

I am so scared.

They are so sweet.

Forms of Intensifier So

  • Use so before an adjective or an adverb.

Madrid is so crowded!

He finished the exam so quickly!

It’s so amazing.

  • Place the intensifier so before nouns and verbs.

That is so Spanish of you.

It is so Catholic of them to believe this.

  • Lastly, it can also be used with a that-clause.

He was so impatient that he left without me.

They were so in a hurry that they didn’t say goodbye.

It was so touching that I cried.

Intensifier Such

  • Like so, the intensifier such also means very. Use it before an adjective and noun.

They are such good people.

You have been such a sport.

She is such a sweetheart.

Forms of Intensifier Such

  • Use a / an after such, not before it.

It was such a lovely afternoon.

They are such a generous couple.

She is in such a hurry.

  • Such is also used with a that-clause.

It was such a warm night that we decided to sleep outside the house.

The project was such a failure that it was discontinued.

He spoke with such conviction that everyone believed him.

Intensifier Too

  • Use the intensifier too to show a negative opinion or mean ‘a lot of something’.

It’s too windy outside.

I am too scared.

The restaurant is too full of people.

Forms of Intensifier Too

  • Put the intensifier too before an adjective that expresses a negative meaning.

My vacation is too short.

This place is too noisy.

Kevin’s bag is too heavy.

  • It is also found before an adverb.

The teacher speaks too fast.

My friend reacted to the news too loudly.

She is walking too slowly.

  • The intensifier too is also placed before a noun.

I had too much alcohol.

She ate too many cookies.

You ask too many questions.

  • Finally, put too after a verb.

I eat too much.

He arrived too early.

She talks too fast.

Intensifier Enough

  • Use the intensifier enough if you mean ‘having what is needed‘.

We have enough supplies to last winter.

We don’t have enough men to patrol the place.

Forms of Intensifier Enough

  • The intensifier enough is placed before a noun.

We have enough food for the party.

Mark had enough money.

Did you get enough sleep?

  • Place enough after an adjective or verb.

Are the children comfortable enough?  

It is never good enough.

Is she practicing enough?

  • Follow the intensifier enough with a to-infinitive.

Robin is not good enough to win the contest.

We haven’t got enough to accuse him of this crime.

Intensifiers So Such Too Enough Exercise

Answer this exercise on Intensifiers So Such Too Enough.

1. She brought far ___ clothes.

a. too much

b. so many

c. too many

2. Carrie is ____ pretty. She’s the cutest baby.

a. too

b. very

c. such

3. Don’t wear those shoes. They’re ____ dirty.

a. too

b. very

c. enough

4. Do we have _____?

a. money enough

b. enough money

c. too money

5. It’s ______ cold! I love the winter!

a. too

b. so

c. enough

6. Everyone in their group ______.

a. drinks too much

b.  too much drinks

c. enough drinks

7. She’s _____. Everyone loves her.

a. so charming

b. charming enough

c. too charming

8. Peter is ______ to go on a rollercoaster. 

a. enough tall

b. tall enough

c. too tall

9. The soup was _____ hot that I couldn’t eat it right away.

a. so 

b. such

c. enough

10. Allan doesn’t get ______.

a. sleep enough

b. enough sleep

c. too sleep

Find the answers to this exercise here.

See also: Adjectives and Adverbs and Mitigators

For additional information on this topic, check out this BBC Learning English Lesson.

For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.

Connecting Words

Connectors are used to combine ideas in writing – and thus ensure that ideas within sentences and paragraphs are elegantly connected – for the benefit of the reader. They help the reader to progress from one idea to the next idea. Thus, they help to build up coherent relationships within the text.

  1. SIMILARITY

likewise    similarly     correspondingly    by the same token    in the same way

  • He failed the test in the same way he did before.
  • She was late and I similarly was delayed.
  • Public transportation is accessible in this country; likewise, its hospitals are also user-friendly.
  1. CONTRAST

On the other hand       in contrast  however    nevertheless

  • Dan worked hard. On the other hand/In contrast/ However, Ken hardly did any work at all.
  • Greg is an optimist. In contrast/However/, Billy is a pessimist.
  • She studied diligently for several months. Nevertheless/However, she failed.
  1. RESULT

Therefore   thus  consequently      as a result  hence

  • He passed his exams. Therefore/Thus/Hence/Consequently, he had some good news to tell his parents.
  • Professor Barry is an outstanding scientist. Hence, he is highly respected.
  • He has been studying hard for a long time. Thus, he has made a lot of progress.
  • The demand has increased sharply and as a result the prices are higher now.
  1. ADDITION AND LISTING

In addition  moreover   furthermore        also   besides      additionally

First/first of all/firstly/to begin with         secondly    thirdly

  • Tom plays football. Moreover/ Besides/ Also, he runs a restaurant.
  • Mary writes short stories, in addition, she writes articles for a newspaper.
  • Living in a big city offers good job opportunities. Also, it provides good educa­tional opportunities.
  • Owning a car has some advantages. First (First of all/Firstly/ To begin with), it gives you comfort. Secondly, it saves you a lot of time. Thirdly, it gives you great freedom of movement.
  1. TIME

at first      afterwards     later      then   in the meantime     meanwhile

  • I read the morning papers for a while. Afterwards, I took a shower.
  • First pick up the receiver and then insert a coin into the coin-box.
  • At first, I had great difficulty with grammar Later, however , I was able to overcome these difficulties by studying hard.
  • The party is Tuesday, but in the meantime I have to shop and prepare the food.
  • They’ll be here soon. Meanwhile, let’s have coffee.
  1. EXEMPLIFICATION

for instance     for example    to illustrate

  • Women generally live longer than men. For instance, in the United States life expectancy for women is 75, while it is 73 for men.
  • Earthquakes can be highly destructive. To illustrate, the earthquake which occurred in Japan in 1939 devastated the whole town, killing more than 35,000 people.
  1. PARTICULARIZATION

in particular      particularly      specifically

  • Shopping in small markets is quite advantageous. In particular, one can find specialty items that larger stores do not contain.
  • We still needed to arrange several details for the trip. Specifically, we had to make plane and train reservations as well as decide on the final itinerary.
  1. EXPLANATION

that is       namely        in other words     that is

  • The brochure dealt with travelling in Morocco. That is/In other words/ Namely, it discussed transportation, currency, and language.
  • The machinery was not impaired; that is, it wasn’t damaged.
  • Good readers should be able to read between the lines; that is, they should be able to make inferences (=to draw conclusions) about information that is conveyed indirectly or given only partially.
  • There is only one topic to discuss, namely, the question of discipline.
  1. EMPHASIS

in fact    indeed    as a matter of fact    actually

  • He is quite wealthy. In fact, he is one of the richest men in Turkey.
  • I like reading. As a matter of fact, it is my favorite pastime.
  • Mural is a highly talented musician. Indeed, he has an extraordinary gift for music.

10.REFUTATION 

on the contrary

  • She is not ugly. On the contrary, she is a good-looking girl.
  • I don’t hate classical music. On the contrary, I’m very fond of it.

12. REFORMULATION

in other words           to put it in a different way,   put differently

  • He is a conservative. In other words, he favors the preservation of old institutions in their original form.
  • Is there a cheaper solution? In other words, can you make a cheaper device?

13. CORRECTION

rather   to be more precise

  • He is enjoying himself. Rather, he seems to be enjoying himself.
  • This system must be improved. Rather, it must be thoroughly changed.
  • Her name is not Margeret. Rather, it is Margot.

14. TRANSITION

as for                         as to                     with regard to                         with respect to

as regards                 regarding                as far as X is concerned

  • Both Patrick and Owen are my friends. Patrick studies law at Ankara University. As for Owen, he studies mechanical engineering at METU.
  • As far as comfort is concerned, a car is definitely much better than a bicycle. On the other hand, with respect to convenience, it is difficult to say the same thing.

15. NEGATIVE CONDITION

or else           otherwise

  • I must leave now, or else I’ll be late.
  • You must study hard. Otherwise, you may fail.

16. SUMMATION/CONCLUSION

in summary       in brief        in short        in conclusion to be brief        to sum up     all in all

  • This is our most disastrous and embarrassing defeat ever; in short, it is a fiasco.
  • The system lacked originality, efficiency and ingenuity. In conclusion, it was a complete failure.

 

 

 


 

 

Present Continuous: Form and Uses

Form of Present Continuous

The Present Continuous or Present Progressive is formed from the present tense of the verb be and the present participle (-ing form) of a verb.

be verb + -ing

Uses

Below are other uses of present continuous. Typically, we use the present continuous to talk about the present.

  • Firstly, present progressive is used for something that is happening at the moment of speaking:

Please be quiet. The baby is sleeping.
I‘m just leaving work. I’ll be home in an hour.

  • Moreover, present progressive is used for something which is happening before and after a given time:

At nine o’clock we are usually watching our favourite TV program.
When I get home, my mom is making dinner in the kitchen.

  • In addition, we can also use present continous for something which we think is temporary:

John is at university. He’s studying Management.
I’m working in London for the next two months.

  • Additionally, it is used for something which is new and contrasts with a previous: state:

These days most people are using email instead of writing letters.
What sort of clothes are teenagers wearing nowadays? What sort of music are they listening to?

  • Another use of present continuous tense is to show that something is changing, growing, or developing:

The children are growing quickly.
The climate is changing rapidly.
Your English is improving.

  • Lastly, present progressive is used for something which happens again and again:

It’s always raining in London.
They are always arguing.
Philip is funny. He’s always telling jokes.

Note: We normally use always with this use.

Present Continuous Exercise

Answer this exercise on present continuous tense.

1. In my country, many people ______ Spanish.

a. are speaking

b. speak

c. is speaking

2. Some old traditions _____ very fast. 

a. disappear

b. are disappearing

c. have disappeared

3. You can’t play with the baby now; she _____ a nap.

a. takes

b. is taking

c. has take

4. Please be quiet, I ______. You know I _____ the paper in the mornings.

a. reads … am reading

b. read … read 

c. am reading … read

5. What time _____ ?

a. does the first class start

b. is the first class starting

c. the first class start

6. I ______ a coat because it’s unusually cold today.

a. am wearing

b. wear

c. wears

7. I finished listening to the podcast you recommended. Now I _____ another one.

a. listen to

b. am listening to

c. listens to

8. What _____ this afternoon?

a. are you doing

b. do

c. you are doing

9. Nobody _____ she will marry him.

a. is thinking

b. thinks 

c. think

10. You look like you are having fun. What _______ ?

a. you are watching

b. are you watching

c. do you watch

Find the answers to this exercise here.

See also: Present Perfect and Present Perfect Continuous.

For additional information on this topic, check out this British Council lesson.

For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.

Adverbs

An adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

  • Adverbs answer the questions when, where, how, and to what extent (how much or how long).

when:            Yesterday we went to the beach.

where:           They saw the children there.

how:               The car ran fast.

how much:   We mostly agree with you.

  • They also confirm that something was or was not done.

positive:        He certainly does feel that way.

negative:       You should not be late for class.

 

  • From adjective to adverb:

adj. + ly : quickly.

adj. ended in consonant + y:  sleepy —  -ily sleepily.

adj. ended in –ic: -ally tragic — tragically.

adj. ended in –le: drop –e and add –y: agreeable — agreeably.

adj. ended in –e: +ly. falsely. (exceptions: wholly and truly).

adj. ended in –ly: adverb with …manner / way. in a lively manner.

  • Adjectives and adverbs with the same form:

best, better, big, cheap, clean, clear, close, cold, daily, dead, deep, direct, dirty, early, easy, far, fast, free, further, hard, high, hourly, inside, kindly, last, late, long, low, monthly, right, slow, straight, sure, thick, tight, weekly, well, wide, wrong, yearly…

  • Adverbs that can either keep the adjective form or add –ly:

cheap, clean, clear, close, dear, fine, quick, quiet, thin.

  •  POSITION OF ADVERBS

 Adverbs of Frequency:

*SUBJECT + ADVERB + VERB + COMPLEMENTS

I never catch the bus at 10:00.

*SUBJECT + AUXILIARY VERB + ADVERB + VERB + COMPLEMENTS

I have always get up at 8:00

*SUBJECT + TO BE + ADVERB + COMPLEMENTS

I was still asleep when my mother called me.

Several Adverbs:

*Adverbs are organized following two possible structures:

Time + Manner + Place: TMP

Ex. Yesterday I carefully read the text at home.

Manner + Place + Time: MPL

Ex. I carefully read the text at home yesterday.

Gerunds and Infinitives: The Complete Guide

Undoubtedly, the proper use of gerunds and infinitives is a common conundrum among English learners. In this lesson, learn when to use gerunds and infinitives.

How to Form a Gerund

A gerund is a noun made from a verb added with “-ing.” On the other hand, a negative gerund is formed by adding “not.”

main verb + -ing

She enjoys working.

not + main verb + -ing

The best thing for your health is not drinking.

Uses of a Gerund

You can use a gerund as the subject, the direct object, the subject complement, the object complement, the object of a preposition, and object of a possessive.

Gerund as subject

Reading increases your knowledge. 

Gerund as direct object

I enjoy reading

Gerund as subject complement

My favorite hobby is reading.

Gerund as object complement

I heard my mother crying in her room.

Gerund as object of a preposition

She is focused on improving her English skills.

Gerund as object of a possessive

Stop with your whining already!

How to Form an Infinitive

Infinitives are the “to” form of the verb. Moreover, to form the negative infinitive, add “not”.

to + main verb

She appears to have an allergy to shellfish.

not + to + main verb

She decided not to tell the team about the issue.

Uses of an Infinitive

You can also use an infinitive as the subject, the direct object, subject complement, an adjective, or an adverb.

Infinitive as subject

To learn is important. 

Infinitive as direct object

He wants to learn

Infinitive as subject complement

The most important thing is to learn

Infinitive as an adjective

They didn’t make the decision to go.

Infinitive as an adverb

She took the yoga class to try to relieve herself from stress.

Gerunds and Infinitives

Both gerunds and infinitives can be used as the subject or the complement of a sentence. However, as subjects or complements, gerunds usually sound more like normal, spoken English, whereas infinitives sound more abstract.

On the other hand, infinitives emphasize the possibility or potential for something and sound more philosophical. Moreover, if this sounds confusing, just remember that 90% of the time, you will use a gerund as the subject or complement of a sentence. Hence, in the following sentences, gerunds sound more natural and would be more common in everyday English.

As Subject or Complement

Learning is important. normal subject

To learn is important. abstract subject – less common

The most important thing is learningnormal complement

The most important thing is to learnabstract complement – less common

As the object

It is more difficult to choose between a gerund or an infinitive. In such situations, both are not normally interchangeable. Usually, the main verb in the sentence determines whether you use a gerund or an infinitive.

He enjoys dancing“Enjoy” requires a gerund.

He wants to dance“Want” requires an infinitive.

Some verbs are followed by gerunds as objects.

She suggested going to a museum.

Ellen imagines swimming in the pool.

Verbs followed by gerunds:  avoid, consider, recommend, postpone, etc.

Note that some verbs are followed by infinitives.

She wants to travel abroad.

Ben needs to talk about his problems.

After the verbs agree, ask, decide, intend, fail, etc., an infinitive follows.

Additionally, some verbs are usually followed by a gerund. However, they can also be followed by a noun + infinitive. In this case, using a noun + infinitive will usually change who is performing the action.

advised taking the train. in general

advised him to take the train. He will take the train.

After a preposition

Gerunds are used after prepositions. Most commonly, these are “verb + preposition” combinations.

They admitted to committing the crime.

My husband made up for forgetting our anniversary.

He is thinking about studying abroad.

Remember that there are many “adjective + preposition” combinations and “noun + preposition” combinations in English as well. These are also followed by gerunds.

Simon is scared of flyingadjective + preposition

Nelly is anxious about taking the examination. adjective + preposition

Her interest in becoming a professional figure skater was well known. noun + preposition

Mark’s story about going inside a cave was really exciting. noun + preposition

Gerunds and Infinitives Exercise

Answer this exercise on gerunds and infinitives.

1. I don’t want _____ out tonight.

a. to eat

b. eating

c. eat

2. They avoided _____ him know about the surprise party.

a. to let

b. letting

c. let

3. She would like ______ on a vacation with him.

a. to go

b. going

c. go

4. The children enjoy _____ in the pool in summer.

a. to swim

b. swimming

c. swim

5. He kept ______ the boss questions during the meeting.

a. to ask

b. asking

c. ask

6. I considered ______ in Spain.

a. to live

b. living

c. live

7. Unfortunately, our family can’t afford _____ a house this year.

a. to buy

b. buying

c. buy

8. They risked _____ caught.

a. to be

b. being

c. be

9. They seem _____ laughing.

a. to be

b. being

c. be

10. She’d hate _____ too early.

a. to arrive

b. arriving

c. arrive

Find the answers to this exercise here.

See also: Verb + -ing/infinitive: Like and Gerunds after Prepositions

For additional information on this topic, check out this British Council lesson.

For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.

Simple Past

USE 1: Completed Action in the Past

Use the Simple Past to express the idea that an action started and finished at a specific time in the past. Sometimes, the speaker may not actually mention the specific time, but they do have one specific time in mind.

Examples:

  • played soccer last Saturday.
  • didn’t meet my friends last weekend.
  • Last year, I didn’t visit my relatives in Australia.
  • Did you have dinner last night?
  • I cleaned my room yesterday.

USE 2 : A Series of Completed Actions

We use the Simple Past to list a series of completed actions in the past. These actions happen 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and so on.

Examples:

  • I left work, met my friends, and ate at a nice restaurant.
  • He arrived from the airport at 9:00, checked into the hotel at 10:00, and met the others at 11:00.
  • Did you add flour, pour in the milk, and then add the eggs?

USE 3: Duration in Past

The Simple Past can be used with a duration which starts and stops in the past. A duration is a longer action often indicated by expressions such as: for two years, for five minutes, all day, all year, etc.

Examples:

  • lived in Australia for two years.
  • Sandra studied Japanese for three years.
  • They did not dance at the party all night.
  • We talked on the phone for thirty minutes.
  • A: How long did you wait for her?
    B: I waited for thirty minutes.

USE 4: Habits in the Past

The Simple Past can also be used to describe a habit which stopped in the past. It can have the same meaning as “used to.” To make it clear that we are talking about a habit, we often add expressions such as: always, often, usually, never, when I was a child, when I was younger, etc.

Examples:

  • learned the piano when I was a child.
  • He didn’t play soccer.
  • Did you play a musical instrument when you were a kid?
  • She worked at a restaurant after school.
  • They never went to parties, they always stayed home.

USE 5: Past Facts or Generalizations

The Simple Past can also be used to describe past facts or generalizations which are no longer true. As in USE 4 above, this use of the Simple Past is quite similar to the expression “used to.”

Examples:

  • didn’t like vegetables before.
  • She was shy as a child, but now she is very outgoing.
  • Did you live in Madrid when you were a child?
  • People paid much more to use the Internet in the past.

 

 

Future Continuous

FORM

The future continuous is made up of two elements:
the simple future of the verb ‘to be’ + the present participle (base+ing)

Subjectsimple future of the verb ‘to be’present participle
Youwill becleaning.
Shewill bereading.

 

AffirmativeNegativeInterrogativeNegative Interrogative
I will be staying.I won’t be staying.Will I be staying?Won’t I be staying?
She will be staying.She won’t be staying.Will she be staying?Won’t she be staying?

 

FUNCTIONS

The Future Continuous refers to an unfinished action or event that will be in progress at a time later than now. The future continuous is used for quite a few different purposes.

*The future continuous can be used to project ourselves into the future.

EXAMPLES
  • This time next month I will be sun-bathing in Maldives.
  • By Christmas I will be skating like a pro.
  • Just think, next Monday you will be working in your new job.

*The future continuous can be used for predicting or guessing about future events.

EXAMPLES
  • She’ll be attending to the party, I expect.
  • I guess you’ll be feeing tired after working out in the gym.
  • You’ll be missing the sunshine once you’re back in England.

*In the interrogative form, the future continuous can be used to ask politely for information about the future.

EXAMPLES
  • Will you be bringing your cousin to the concert tonight?
  • Will Matthew be coming with us?
  • Will Anne be going to the party tonight?
  • Will they be staying in this hotel?

*The future continuous can be used to refer to continuous events that we expect to happen in the future.

EXAMPLES
  • I‘ll be seeing Tim at the meeting next week.
  • When he is in Canada, he will be staying with his aunt.
  • I’ll be eating with Kim this evening.

*When combined with still, the future continuous refers to events that are already happening now and that we expect to continue some time into the future.

EXAMPLES
  • In an hour I’ll still be washing my car.
  • Tomorrow she’ll still be suffering from flu.
  • Next year will she still be wearing a size six?
  • Won’t stock prices still be falling in the morning?
  • According to research, sea levels will still be rising in 20 years.

 

Needn’t Have and Can’t Have Modals

This lesson focuses on the needn’t have and can’t have modals. To form, simply combine the negative modal, have, and the past participle.

Form

needn’t or can’t have + past participle

Can’t Have + Past Participle

  • Use this when we are definitely sure that something did not happen in the past or we believe that something was impossible in the past.

Her car is still in the garage. She can’t have left the house yet.

He can’t have escaped through this window – it’s too small.

He can’t have been at the meeting. He’s on a business trip this week.

Needn’t Have + Past Participle

  • Use this to mean that the action is done, but it was unnecessary and even a waste of time.

Yesterday my friend had already bought two tickets for the concert so you really needn’t have bought another one, it was a waste of money.

Martha worked all the weekend to finish her assignment on time, but actually she needn’t have done so.

The bus arrived two minutes after you left, so you needn’t have taken a taxi.

Needn’t Have and Can’t Have Modals Exercise

Answer this exercise on needn’t and can’t have modals.

1. You _____ cleaned your room. The housekeeping would’ve tidied it up for you.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have

2. They _____ left the country because their children are still in the middle of their school year.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have 

3. We _____ rehearsed that intensely. The competition is canceled.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have

4. I didn’t rain so you ______ brought an umbrella.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have

5. She is very polite. She _____ spoken to her manager in a rude manner.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have 

6. We had a lot of food in the fridge so we _____ gone to the supermarket today.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have

7. You _____ seen that movie. It isn’t released until next month.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have 

8. You _____ bought all these presents for her. She doesn’t feel like celebrating her birthday this year.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have

9. I _____ taken this medicine. I’m allergic to it.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have 

10. He ______ seen her in town. She left for the US last month.

a. can’t have

b. needn’t have 

Find the answers to this exercise here.

See also: Modals of Deduction and Speculation and Modals: Will, May, Might

For additional information on this topic, check out this BBC Learning English lesson.

For other English grammar lessons, go to this page.