Let's see if you know how to use modals
to talk about PAST situations. This quiz only
includes 'simple' modals, not 'perfect' modals
like "could have done" or "should have done".
For 'perfect' modals, see the next quiz,
Modals III.
'Simple' past modals
include:
could / didn't
have to / had to / used to / didn't use
to / was-were able to / was-were going to /
would
We __ (not) go to school last Monday – it was a national holiday.
didn't have to
had to not
weren't going to
When I was a kid, we __ visit my grandparents at the beach for 2 weeks every summer.
used to ONLY
would ONLY
used to OR would
Lynn __ open her new cookie shop on the 16th Street Mall, but she changed her mind and decided to open it at the Cherry Creek Mall instead.
had to
was going to
used to
The engineering department __ (not) finish the new phone design on time, so the boss is very upset.
didn't have to
wouldn't
couldn't OR wasn't able to
Becky’s heel broke this morning, so she __ take her shoes to a shop to have them repaired.
had to
was supposed to
was going to
Two years ago, that quarterback __ throw 60-yard touchdown passes, but now his arm isn’t strong enough to do that anymore.
could ONLY
was able to ONLY
could OR was able to
The company told us that they __ (not) pay us for working overtime, but when our lawyers got involved, the company suddenly sent us checks the next day.
didn't use to
had to not
weren't going to
Donna and Frank __ date, but they broke up over a month ago and haven’t spoken to each other since.
used to ONLY
would ONLY
used to OR would
My wife __ help Billy with his math homework because she was an “A” student in math in high school.
didn't have to
was able to
used to
President Nixon __ resign from office when the American people found out that he had taken part in criminal activities against his political opponents.
