Class 5 English Grammar Chapter 9 Modals

• Modals stand independent in question tags.
• Modals do not change form with persons.
• Modals do not change from with numbers.
• Modals do not change form with the gender.
• Modals always take the original form of verb.

The following are the most commonly used modals.

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

“Could” is the past form of can. “Could” is used in the following context:
1.Possibility:
Ex.: Anita could top the class.
2. Request:
ex.: Could you help me?
3. Advice:
ex.: You could always take healthy drinks.
4. Condition:
Ex.: If you could work hard, you would pass.

“May” can be used in the following context:
1. Requesting and/or granting:
ex.: You may go now.
2. Possibility:
Ex.: It may rain tonight.
3. Desire of fervent wish:
Ex.: May god help you!
4. Pointed question:
Ex.: How old may this boy be?

“Might” is the past form of May. It can be used in the following context:
1. A state of fear:
Ex.: I might cut my finger.

“Must” is used in the following context:
1. Compulsion or obligation:
Ex.: When you are studying, you must concentrate.
2. Requirement or Prerequisite:
Ex.: You must read the school in time.
3. First person insistence:
Ex.: I must finish my homework.
4. Determination:
Ex.: I must top the class.

“Ought to” can be used in the following context:
1. Obligation or Duty:
Ex.: We ought to love our country.
2. Desirability:
Ex.: You ought to have been there.

“Have to” can be used in the following context:
1. 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.