Exercises

Progressive Forms of “May” and “Might”
Fill in the blank with the correct past progressive form of the verb given in parentheses and “may.”
1. They _____________ dinner. (have)
2. He _____________ his mail. (forward)
3. She _____________ her oil. (check)
4. He _____________ trouble with his car. (have)
5. They _____________ late. (work)
6. He _____________. (sleep)
7. They _____________ bread. (buy)
8. They _____________ tennis. (play)
9. He _____________ change. (get)
10. You _____________ the wrong number. (dial)
11. She _____________ to Georgia. (drive)
12. He _____________ to the Smithsonian. (go)
13. She _____________ a car. (rent)


Using “Would”
Replace the sentence with a statement expressing preference using “would rather.” Please use contractions
where possible. Example: I want to go fishing, but I have stay in the office.: I’d rather go fishing.
1. I want to go to the movies, but I have to study.
2. I’d like to go to Washington, but I have to work.
3. She wants to eat in a restaurant, but she doesn’t have any money.
4. He wants to rent a compact car, but they only have luxury cars.
5. They want to rent the two-bedroom apartment, but it’s too expensive.
6. I want to sleep, but I have to work.
7. I wish I could have dessert, but I’m on a diet.
8. He’d like to go to lunch, but he has a meeting.
9. I wish I could talk to you, but I have an appointment.
10. She wants to stay at the hotel, but they don’t have a room.
11. They want to take a limo, but they don’t have enough money.
12. I wish I could go to Georgia, but I have to visit my aunt in Tennessee.
13. He’d like to have dinner, but he doesn’t have enough time.


Using “Would”
Look at each sentence and decide whether “used to” can be replaced by ”would.”
1. Aunt Stephanie used to live in Chicago.
2. She used to always visit the West Coast.
3. I used to be her favorite niece.
4. She used to always bring me gifts.
5. Her house used to be worth a lot of money.
6. We used to prepare lunch together.


Two-Word Verbs
Complete the sentences using the correct two-word verbs. Use the simple present tense.
1. The meeting is tomorrow. _____________ over these reports tonight.
2. It’s too loud in here. _____________ down the radio.
3. You finished your paper. _____________ it in.
4. Your appointment is Tuesday. _____________ up at 9:00.
5. You finished your phone call. _____________ up the phone.
6. I want to read a book. _____________ off the television.
7. You like this green T-shirt. _____________ it on.
8. You want to get in touch with her. _____________ her up.
9. I’m asking you an important question. _____________ it over.
10. You don’t know this word. _____________ it up in the dictionary.
11. Your T-shirts are all over the room. _____________ them away.
12. You need to go downtown. _____________ on the Shuttle Bus.
13. You have my newspaper. _____________ it back!