Modals

Class IX English Grammar Modals
English Grammar Class 9

Modals
Today we will study an exciting topic “Modals”. Modal verbs are a special kind
of helping verbs they are used to help the main verb to express the mood of the
subject and at the same time indicate the possibility, persuasion, and
willingness.
Modal verbs can sometimes be misleading as they express a completely
different view especially when it comes to using them in a sentence.
Fortunately, modal verbs are pretty simple when they are put to use.
Image: Grammar
Modal Auxiliary Verbs

They are also called semi-modal auxiliary verbs, central modal auxiliary verbs,
pure modal auxiliary verbs, coloured auxiliary, and pure modals. They are used
with the main verbs to express ideas such as permission, obligation, prohibition,
suggestions, possibility, intentions, ability, etc.
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Modal auxiliary verbs are: shall, will, can, may, should, would, could, might,
must, and had better.
For example, Can you drive a car?(ability)
Rekha said that she might visit her. (possibility)
You must attend this seminar. (obligation).
Semi-Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Semi-modal auxiliary verbs or semi-modal also known as Marginal modal verbs
are verbs that behave partially like the main verb and partly like an auxiliary
verb.
Semi-modal auxiliary verb: dare, need, used to, ought to, have to.
For example,
I dare not cross the line of upsetting my mother.
You need not enquire about this.
I used to wake up early when I was in college.
We ought to exercise every day.
Image: The modal verbs

Modal Verbs
1. Can
“Can” is used to denote the ability of the noun/ pronoun to perform an action or
to request permission to act.
Examples:
• I can dance.
• Can I dance?
• Sonu can swim.
• Sheela can paint.
• Raju can drive cars.
2. Could
“Could” is used to denote the ability of the subject to perform an action or an
offer made by the subject to do an action.
Examples:
• He could dance.
• She could solve her problems.
• He could decipher the sentence.
• We could live without care when we were younger.
• They could enter without any issue.
3. May
“May” is usually used in sentences to denote the probability or possibility of an
action taking place or to request permission to do something.
Examples:
• May I come in?
• He may like the color.

• She may attend the party.

• The dog may like the toy.
• She may come in today.
4. Might
“Might” is commonly used to denote the probability of an action taking place or
to suggest possibilities.
Examples:
• She might like the presentation.
• He might like the shirt.
• She might not like the colour.
• He might like drawing over painting.
• The teacher might conduct a test.
5. Will
The word "will" is a highly popular and straightforward method to describe
what you expect or plan to happen in the future.
Examples:
• She will attend the party.
• He will participate in the competition.
• They will attend the party.
• Raju will swim.
• Sheela will dance at the party.
6. Would
“Would” is commonly used to show politeness while requesting or asking if an
action can be done by the noun/pronoun.

Examples:
• He would love to attend the party.
• She would love to honour the gathering.
• The teacher would love to interact with the student.
• The priest would love to address the gathering.
• He would love the attend the exhibition.
7. Shall
A modal verb used to suggest future action is "shall." It frequently appears in
proposals like "Shall we go?" and is most frequently employed in phrases that
begin with "I" or "we." As a verb, "shall" is typically used to denote
commitments or voluntary actions.
Examples:
• We shall attend the gathering.
• Shall I use your notebook?
• Shall I finalise this?
• You shall let me know if you need anything.
• He shall dance.
8. Should
The modal verb "should" is frequently employed to offer suggestions or
counsel. It can be used to convey both obligation and expectation.
Examples:
• You should respect your elders.
• Should I send it out?
• He should prefer this over that.
• She should pay more attention.

• You should pick one.
9. Must
“Must” is used to denote the necessity of an action to be done by the subject.
Examples:
• You must keep your surroundings clean.
• He must list down the options.
• She must choose one.
• He must address the listeners.
• You must plant trees.
10. Ought
“Ought” is used to denote the obligation of the subject to perform a particular
action.
Examples:
• He ought to pay the fine.
• She ought to respect her teacher.
• He ought to behave well.
• We ought to salute the warriors.
• We ought to honor the soldiers.
Difficult words with Meanings
Word Meaning
Persuasion The act of persuading somebody
willingness Happy to do something

Prohibition A law or rule that prohibits somebody
obligation A state of doing something because of a promise
Decipher Understand
Summary
In this chapter, we started with the definition of modal verbs. A modal verb is a
helping verb that is used along with the main verb to represent different aspects
like the ability, possibility, and probability of a subject to do an action and
emphasize the necessity of an action. You can convey subtleties in meaning that
you otherwise wouldn't be able to by utilising modal verbs. Politeness - Finally,
some modal verbs have the quality of being "polite," which means that when
you use them to make suggestions or ask questions, you will seem more
courteous, which is crucial when speaking a foreign language. We then
discussed the examples of each modal verb.
Practice Questions
Fill in the blanks
1. I ___ run fast to catch the train.
2. I ___ bring milk on my way home.
3. He ___ faces a lot of problems getting this approved.
4. She ___ be at school on time.
5. He ___ does what makes him happy.
6. ___ I get you a glass of water?
7. He ___ takes part in the occasion.
8. We ___take care of our surroundings.
Answer

1. I should run fast to catch the train.

2. I can bring milk on my way home.
3. He might face a lot of problems to get this approved.
4. She should be at school on time.
5. He must do what makes him happy.
6. Can I get you a glass of water?
7. He will take part in the occasion.
8. We must take care of our surroundings.

Modals

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Class IX English Grammar Modals

English Grammar Class 9

Modal Auxiliary Verbs

English Grammar www.vedantu.com 1

Semi-Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Image: The modal verbs

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• She may attend the party.

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• You should pick one.

Difficult words with Meanings

Persuasion The act of persuading somebody

willingness Happy to do something

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Prohibition A law or rule that prohibits somebody

obligation A state of doing something because of a promise

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1. I should run fast to catch the train.

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