Modals | English Grammar for Junior Classes - Class 1 PDF Download

What are  Modals?

Modals add definition to the main verb in a sentence by showing possibility, ability, permission, or responsibility. Like “can” shows the ability to do work, it can be used to take permission (In an informal way). “May” shows the possibility and it also can be used to take permission (In a formal way).    

Examples:

• Can you open the door?
  
• The physician can see you now.
• I must go now.
• May God bless you!
• You should go there.
• I used to play cricket when I was a child.

Can, Could, May, Might, Shall, Should, Will, Would, Used to,  are some modals.

Use of Modals:-

Modal: Can

Modal: Must

Modal: Might

Modals: Could

Modals: Will

Modals: Would

Modals: Shall

Modals: May not

Modals: Ought to

Modals: Need to

Let's Practice!

Q1:  Fill in the blanks with the correct modals.

1. I ______ arrange the flowers for the bouquet. (may/can)

Ans: can

"Can" is used to show that you have the ability to do something. Here, the person is saying they are able to arrange the flowers, so "can" is the right choice.

2. You _______ be punctual. (should/ought)

Ans: should

"Should" is used to give advice. When someone says "You should be punctual", they are advising the person to be on time. It’s like a good suggestion to follow.

3. One ______repay all their debts. (must/ought to)

Ans: ought to

"Ought to" is used to suggest something that is the right or proper thing to do. So, here it means that it's the right thing for someone to repay their debts.

4. The child _______ be taken to hospital immediately. (must/might)

Ans: must

"Must" is used to show something that is very necessary or important. In this case, it means that it is very important to take the child to the hospital right away.

5. ______ you have hot chocolate? (shall/will)

Ans: Will

"Will" is used to ask about future actions or decisions. When asking "Will you have hot chocolate?", you are asking if someone will choose to have hot chocolate in the future.

Q2: Identify the modal verb in the following sentences.

a) My parents (shall/ought to) arrive soon.

Ans: shall

"Shall" is used to show a future action or event. Here, it’s used to say that my parents will arrive soon. It's like making a prediction or talking about something that will happen.

b) I (could/must) be late as I have a lot on my plate.

Ans: could

"Could" is used to talk about possibility. It means that being late is a possibility because there’s a lot to do. You don’t know for sure, but it could happen.

c) Leonard (can/may) easily solve the problem.

Ans: can

"Can" shows ability. Leonard is able to solve the problem easily. It tells us what Leonard is able to do.

d) It (might/should) rain tomorrow.

Ans: might

"Might" is used to show possibility. It means that it’s possible that it will rain tomorrow, but we’re not sure. It’s just one of the possible things that could happen.

e) (May/might) all your wishes come true in life.

Ans: May

"May" is used here to give a blessing or wish. It’s like hoping something good happens to someone. It’s a polite or kind way to express hope for someone's future.