Class 4 English Grammar Chapter 13 Modals

In the following sentences, the words may, could and can are modals working as helping verbs.

1. You may go for game.
2. Could you give me your pen?
3. You can go now.

• Modals do not convey any meaning of their own.
• Modals stand independent in question tags.
• Modals do not change form with persons.
• Modals do not change form with numbers.
• Modals do not change form with gender.
• Modals always take the original form of verb.

The following are the most commonly used modals:
Can, could, may, might, must, ought to, have to, need, dare, shall, should, will, would.

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

1. Possibility: Anita could top the class.
2. Request: could you help me?
3. Advice: You could always take healthy drinks.
4. Condition: If you could work hard, you would pass.

• 1. Requesting and/or granting: You may go now.
• 2. Possibility: It may rain tonight.
• 3. Desire or fervent wish: May god help you! Pointed
• 4. Question: How old may this boy be?

It can be used in the following context:
A state of fear: I might cut my finger.

• 1. Compulsion or obligation: When you are studying, must concentrate.
• 2. Requirement or Prerequisite: You must reach the school well in time.
• 3. First person insistence: I must finish my homework.
• 4. Determination: I must top the class.

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

Compulsion: 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.

1. I __________ dance very well when I was young. (can, could)
2. Human being _________ land on the moon. (can, could)
3. An aeroplane _________ fly in the air. (can, could)
4. I __________ walk longer if I tried harder. (can, could)
5. _________ I take your pen? (may, might)
6. _________ you live long! (may, might)
7. You _________ have told me earlier about it. (may, might)
8. She said that she _________ come the next day. (may, might)

1. ____________ you meet me after lunch?
2. This ____________ be a record.
3. ____________ I use your pen?
4. She ____________ not come to school.
5. The key ____________ with the driver.

6. ____________ I have some toffee?
7. ____________ you switch on the fan?
8. ____________ you explain me the reason?
9. ____________God bless him!
10. I ____________ finish it tonight.

1. He (can, ought) type the letter.
2. (Could, Might) I smoke in the room?
3. (May, Could) god help you!
4. She (can, may) speak English well.
5. (Can, Might) you help me in the work?

6. If I were you, I (can, could) do it easily.
7. (Ought, Could) you post this letter?
8. (Should, May) I park this car in the garage?
9. You (must, can) look after your parents.
10. You (must, would) read daily to pass the exam.