Modals | English Grammar Class 5 PDF Download

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Most Commonly Used Modals

Can
“Can” is used in the following context:

• Ability to do a job or work:
  Ex.: I can do this sum.
• Possession of specific power:
  Ex.: Only Principal can grant him leave.
• Sanction:
  Ex.: You can go out without pass.
• Permission or request:
  Ex.: Can you do this?

Could
“Could” is the past form of can. “Could” is used in the following context:

• Possibility:
  Ex.: Anita could top the class.
• Request:
  Ex.: Could you help me?
• Advice:
  Ex.: You could always take healthy drinks.
• Condition:
  Ex.: If you could work hard, you would pass.

May
“May” can be used in the following context:

• Requesting and/or granting:
  Ex.: You may go now.
• Possibility:
  Ex.: It may rain tonight.
• Desire of fervent wish:
  Ex.: May god help you!
• Pointed question:
  Ex.: How old may this boy be?

Might
“Might” is the past form of May. It can be used in the following context:

• A state of fear:
  Ex.: I might cut my finger.

Must
“Must” is used in the following context:

• Compulsion or obligation:
  Ex.: When you are studying, you must concentrate.
• Requirement or Prerequisite:
  Ex.: You must read the school in time.
• First person insistence:
  Ex.: I must finish my homework.
• Determination:
  Ex.: I must top the class.

Ought to
“Ought to” can be used in the following context:

• Obligation or Duty:
  Ex.: We ought to love our country.
• Desirability:
  Ex.: You ought to have been there.

Have to
“Have to” can be used in the following context:

• compulsion:
  Ex.: You have to do it.
  Note: “Must not”, “ought not” and “have not to” are the negative forms of Must, ought to and Have to.

Q. What is a modals

A helping verb with a main verb when used to express the mode and attitude of the speaker is known as modals.
Ex.: You may go for game.