Business English Lesson - English Modal Verbs Quiz

Business English Lesson

How to Use Business English Modal Verbs

1. We __________ look again at our corporate social media strategy, it’s not performing very well, and although it’s not essential in terms of sales, it isn’t producing the results we anticipated.
can
should
may

2. I don’t know what the competition will do with regard to this current financial crisis, they __________ decide to try and cut costs, but then that would harm their level of service to their clients.
must
should
may

3. We __________ have a meeting as soon as possible. It’s absolutely essential we prepare a strategy to deal with this latest problem with production.
may
could
must

4. Be careful when you’re negotiating with them, they __________ be very tricky to deal with sometimes.
can
must
should

5. It’s been interesting talking to you, but I’m afraid I __________ go now. I have a client meeting in 10minutes.
have to
can
might

6. If you need to leave early today, it’s okay, you __________ finish the report at home – I don’t mind.
might
have to
can

7. In the future I __________ start my own business, but it would depend on if I can obtain a business loan to get set up.
can
have to
might

8. When trainees have finished their fast track training, they __________ work with all our corporate clients without being supervised.
might
could
can

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Correct answers:

Modal Verbs in Business English - A Quick Guide

In any business setting, it's important to sound professional and in control. One way to do this is by using modal verbs correctly.

Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb (helping verb) that expresses levels of ability, doubt, certainty, and willingness.

They are often used with the base form of a verb.

For example:

• I can speak five languages.
• She should arrive by noon.
• We might have to cancel the meeting.

The following is a quick reference guide to using modal verbs in business settings. Keep in mind that the level of formality will change depending on the situation, so it's important to use your best judgment.

Might

Might is used express possibility. It's not as strong as may and is often used when making suggestions.

For example:

• You might want to try a different approach.
• I might be able to help you with that.

May

May is used express possibility and is considered more formal than might. It can also be used when seeking permission or making requests.

For example:

• May I ask a question?
• May I make a suggestion?
• May we schedule a meeting for next week? (This is less direct than "Can we schedule a meeting for next week?")

Must

Must is used express necessity or requirement and is considered very formal.

For example:

• Employees must clock in before starting their shift.
• You must sign this paperwork before you can start your new job.

Have to

Have to is less formal than must and can be used interchangeably in most cases.

For example:

• I have to complete this report by 5 PM today. (This means the same thing as "I must complete this report by 5 PM today.")

Can/Could

Can and could are both used express ability but could is considered more polite/formal.

For example:

• Can you please send me an email about that? (Less formal than "Could you please send me an email about that?")

Should

Should is used to give advice or express what seems like the best course of action.

For example:

• If you want to continue receiving our services, you should make a payment by the end of the month.
• What do you think we should do to solve the problem?
• You should consult with a lawyer before signing that contract.
• We should probably leave soon if we want to beat the traffic.
• I think you should call the client and let them know the good news.

Use these modal verbs to sound more professional in business settings!