Modals | English Grammar for Class 9 PDF Download

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Introduction

Modals are a type of auxiliary verbs that express the attitude or possibility of the action in a sentence. They are used to convey various shades of meaning such as ability, permission, necessity, obligation, and probability.

Modal Verbs

Central modals In English: may, might, should, ought to, have to, must, shall, should, will, and would.

1. Can:

• Used to express ability or capability.
  Example: She can swim very well.
• Can also express possibility or permission.
  Example: Can I go to the party?

2. Could:

• Past tense form of "can."
• Used to express past ability or capability.
  Example: When I was young, I could run fast.
• Can also be used to make polite requests or offer suggestions.
  Example: Could you please help me with this?

3. May:

• Used to express permission, possibility, or uncertainty.
  Example: May I use your pen?
• Can also be used to seek or grant permission.
  Example: You may leave the room.

4. Might:

• Similar to "may," but expresses a lower level of possibility or uncertainty.
  Example: It might rain today.
• Can also be used to make polite requests or suggestions.
  Example: Might I suggest a different approach?

5. Must:

• Used to express necessity or obligation.
  Example: I must finish my homework tonight.
• Can also be used to express strong probability.
  Example: She must be at home by now.

6. Shall:

• Used to express future actions in the first person (I and we).
  Example: I shall visit my grandmother tomorrow.
• Can also be used to make suggestions or offer assistance.
  Example: Shall I help you with that?

7. Should:

• Used to express advice, recommendation, or obligation.
  Example: You should study for the exam.
• Can also be used to express expectation or probability.
  Example: He should be here by now.

8. Will:

• Used to express future actions or predictions.
  Example: She will go to the party tomorrow.
• Can also be used to make promises, requests, or offers.
  Example: I will help you with your project.

9. Would:

• Used to express past habits, polite requests, or hypothetical situations.
  Example: When I was young, I would visit my grandparents every summer.
• Can also be used to make polite requests or offers.
  Example: Would you mind closing the door, please?

Usage of Modals

• Modals are followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive) without "to."
  Example: She can play the piano.
• Modals do not take the -s form in the third person singular.
  Example: He can swim well (not "cans").
• Modals are used to express:
  • Ability: I can speak English fluently.
  • Permission: Can I go to the park?
  • Necessity/Obligation: You must complete your homework.
  • Advice/Recommendation: You should exercise regularly.
  • Possibility/Probability: It may rain tomorrow.
  • Future Actions: I will call you later.
  • Polite Requests: Could you please pass the salt?