Scribd
Upload
9 views

MODALS

Uploaded by

GUMMADAPU SRI LAASYA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views

MODALS

Uploaded by

GUMMADAPU SRI LAASYA
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

GRAMMER - MODALS

What Are Modal Verbs?


Modal verbs are helping verbs that are used along with main verbs to represent the
ability, possibility and probability of a subject to do an action and emphasize the
necessity of an action.
Examples of Modal Verbs
Let us look at some examples of modal verbs used as auxiliary verbs and their
functions.
Modal Function
Verb

Can Used to denote the ability of the subject to perform an action or to request permission to perform an
action

Could Used to denote the ability of the subject to perform an action or an offer made by the subject to
perform an action

May Used to denote the probability of an action taking place or to request permission to perform an action

Might Used to denote the probability of an action taking place or to make suggestions

Will Used to denote the surety of an action taking place or the assurance of the subject to perform a
particular action

Would Used to show politeness when requesting or asking if an action can be done by the subject.

Shall Used to denote the surety of an action taking place or the assurance of the subject to perform a
particular action

Should Used to denote the necessity of an action to be done by the subject

Must Used to denote the strong obligation or necessity for the subject to do or not do an action

Ought to Used to denote the obligation of the subject to perform a particular action

How to Use Modal Verbs in Sentences


Given below are a few examples of how modal verbs can be used to indicate the
possibility or probability of an action taking place.

 It might rain in the evening.


 I think they will reach Coimbatore by 8 pm.
 Can you pick up my brother from school on your way home tomorrow?
 I could make some time to help you with your assignments.
 Your friends may come to visit you next week.
 It would not be possible for you to complete all of it by tomorrow evening.
Here are some examples of modal verbs being used to show the necessity and
obligation of the subject to perform a particular set of actions.

 All students of this institution ought to abide by the rules and instructions provided.
 All employees should follow the dress code strictly.
 You must get yourself checked before the situation becomes worse.
 Your sister will have to apply for a leave request if she wants to take a month’s leave.
Modal verbs can be used to make offers, suggestions and requests. Check out the
examples given below for know-how.

 It would be better if you did it the other way.


 I could help you if you want.
 Shall I bring you some water to drink?
 Could you please pass me the science record?
 Will you please take care of my son for an hour? I have some grocery shopping to be done.

Modal Exercises with Answers


Complete the following exercises and check the answers to find out if you know them
well.

Exercise 1 – Fill in the blanks with the correct modals


1. I __ arrange the flowers for the bouquet. (may/can)
2. __ I borrow this pen from you? (may/might)
3. The teacher __ ask you to bring the homework. (might/can)
4. According to the weather forecast, it ___ snow heavily tomorrow. (may/shall)
5. Raj hasn’t studied well. He __ fail his exam. (might/shall)
6. You __ follow the traffic rules. (may/must)
7. It __ be difficult to live amidst war. (should/must)
8. My mother __ scold me if I don’t go back on time. (will/may)
9. We ___ take care of our parents. (ought to/ could)
10. I __ visit the local grocery store soon. (shall/can)
11. You ___ be punctual. (should/ought to)
12. One __ repay all their debts. (must/ought to)
13. __ you show me the road to the market? (could/might)
14. The child __ be taken to hospital immediately. (must/might)
15. ___ you have hot chocolate? (shall/will)

Exercise 2 – Identify the modal verb in the following sentences


1. My teacher (can/must) speak four languages.
2. (May/should) I use your mobile to call my mother?
3. You (must/could) not speak loudly in the hospital.
4. I (could/must) use a little help in packing all these clothes.
5. Madam (could/may) you repeat what you said?
6. I (can/might) not be able to make it tonight.
7. Sheldon (ought to/must) study more if he wants to pass the test.
8. (Can/May) you come to the prom with me?
9. My parents (shall/ought to) arrive soon.
10. I (could/must) be late as I have a lot on my plate.
11. Leonard (can/may) easily solve the problem.
12. It (might/should) rain tomorrow.
13. (May/might) all your wishes come true in life.
14. I (could/might) not be any happier.

You might also like