Basics. Passive Voice with Modal Verbs: correct answers
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When we want to focus on an action or the receiver of an action involving modal verbs, we use the passive voice. To form this structure, simply use the modal verb followed by be and the past participle of the main verb. For example, instead of saying "You must wear a helmet," you can say, "A helmet must be worn."
In this challenge, you will practice combining various modal verbs (like must, should, can, will, might, and has to) with the passive voice. You will apply these grammar rules across several fun scenarios, from helping a museum curator write strict rules for a dinosaur exhibit and completing an eccentric billionaire's will, to deciphering a wizard's shipping policies and writing care instructions for an alien pet.
You'll work through 12 questions in a mix of single-choice, multi-choice, drop-down, and drag-and-drop formats.
Try the quiz to check your knowledge!
Correct answers
Question 1
Complete the eccentric inventor's user manual for his new robot butler.
To avoid a messy explosion, the robot's battery ________ with coffee.
The correct answer is should never be replaced.
When giving advice about an object receiving an action, we use the passive voice: modal + be + past participle (should + be + replaced).
Adverbs like "never" go between the modal and "be".
Question 2
The airlock doors must be sealed completely before you remove your space helmet. Otherwise, you could be sucked into the vacuum of space, which ruins everyone's afternoon!
The passive voice is used because the subject is receiving the action.
The doors don't seal themselves; they must be sealed (modal + be + past participle).
You don't suck anything; you could be sucked out by the vacuum!
Question 3
The correct answers are The fluffball can be fed up to three times a day and Its fur should be brushed gently with a soft toothbrush.
The passive voice with modals requires the structure modal + be + past participle.
"The creature might frightened..." is missing the verb "be" (might be frightened).
"Water must be give..." uses the base form of the verb instead of the past participle (must be given).
Question 4
The secret sauce must be kept in the fridge at all times. Please remember that the fancy gold-rimmed plates should not be washed in the dishwasher, or they will lose their sparkle!
To form the passive voice with a modal verb, use modal + be + past participle.
The sauce doesn't keep itself; it must be kept by someone.
The plates don't wash themselves; they should not be washed by someone.
Question 5
The correct answers are The dinosaur bones must not be touched by anyone and Flash photography cannot be used in the bat cave.
To form the passive voice with modal verbs, we use modal + be + past participle (e.g., must be touched, cannot be used).
"The historical paintings should not touch by visitors" is incorrect because it is missing the verb "be" and uses the active verb "touch" instead of the past participle "touched."
"Food and drinks must left at the entrance" is incorrect because it is missing the verb "be" (must be left).
Question 6
Help the anxious museum curator finalize the security checklist for the new diamond exhibit by choosing the correct phrase for each blank.
The famous diamond must not be touched by anyone under any circumstances. To ensure maximum safety, all security cameras should be checked every hour before the doors open. Finally, the emergency alarms can be activated remotely if there's even the slightest hint of trouble.
The famous diamond must not be touched by anyone under any circumstances.
We form the passive voice with modal verbs using modal + be + past participle. Here, "must not be touched" shows that touching the diamond is strictly prohibited.
To ensure maximum safety, all security cameras should be checked every hour before the doors open.
"Should be checked" is the correct passive form to express a strong recommendation or requirement.
Finally, the emergency alarms can be activated remotely if there's even the slightest hint of trouble.
"Can be activated" shows that it is possible for the alarms to be triggered by someone remotely.
Question 7
Help the museum curator finish the warning sign for the new dinosaur exhibit.
The fragile T-Rex skeleton ________ by visitors under any circumstances!
The correct answer is must not be touched.
We form the passive with modal verbs using modal + be + past participle (must + be + touched).
"Must not touch" is active and would mean the skeleton itself is forbidden from touching things!
Question 8
Complete the passive-aggressive notes left on the fridge by a frustrated roommate. Choose the correct verb phrase for each blank.
The mountain of dirty dishes in the sink has to be washed before the mold gains sentience and takes over the kitchen. Furthermore, the overflowing trash cannot be ignored any longer! Lastly, the monthly rent must be paid by Friday, or we'll both be living in a tent.
The mountain of dirty dishes in the sink has to be washed before the mold gains sentience and takes over the kitchen.
"Has to be washed" is the passive form of "has to wash." The dishes receive the action of washing.
Furthermore, the overflowing trash cannot be ignored any longer!
"Cannot be ignored" combines the modal "cannot" with "be" and the past participle "ignored."
Lastly, the monthly rent must be paid by Friday, or we'll both be living in a tent.
"Must be paid" expresses a strong obligation in the passive voice.
Question 9
Choose the correct phrase to complete the drama teacher's top-secret email.
The surprise ending of our school play ________ to anyone before opening night!
The correct answer is cannot be revealed.
The passive voice with modals is formed with modal + be + past participle.
The ending isn't doing the revealing; it is receiving the action, so we need the passive "be revealed" rather than the active "reveal".
Question 10
Help the eccentric wizard complete the shipping policies for his online magical potion shop by choosing the correct phrase for each gap.
All fragile potions will be packed carefully in premium dragon-scale bubble wrap. Please note that delivery might be delayed if the courier encounters a grumpy troll on the bridge. Refunds may be requested within thirty days, but only if the potion hasn't already turned you into a toad.
All fragile potions will be packed carefully in premium dragon-scale bubble wrap.
"Will be packed" is the future passive form using the modal "will."
Please note that delivery might be delayed if the courier encounters a grumpy troll on the bridge.
"Might be delayed" expresses a possibility in the passive voice.
Refunds may be requested within thirty days, but only if the potion hasn't already turned you into a toad.
"May be requested" uses the modal "may" to express permission or possibility in the passive voice.
Question 11
My collection of haunted dolls may be sold to a museum to fund your education. However, the giant solid gold statue of my cat cannot be moved from the living room under any circumstances!
When the subject of the sentence receives the action, we use the passive voice. With modal verbs (like may or cannot), the structure is modal + be + past participle.
The dolls may be sold (by the heirs), and the statue cannot be moved (by anyone).
Question 12
The correct answers are The cake will be delivered to the back door and The balloons might be seen if we put them by the window.
The correct structure is modal + be + past participle (e.g., will be delivered, might be seen).
"The invitations must be send out tonight" is incorrect because "send" is the base form, not the past participle (must be sent).
"The music should kept..." is incorrect because it is missing the verb "be" (should be kept).