Use the verb in parentheses with the modals must, may/might/could, can. One sentence uses should. Note: some of the modals are in past form: (modal + have + past participle). Where is the spatula? It (be) in this drawer but it's not here. Nancy: I just did a load of dishes last night and they're still in the dish washer. It (be) in there. That's the only other place it (be) .