What Are Modals?

Modals are special verbs in English that help express ideas like ability, possibility, permission,
obligation, or advice. They are called auxiliary verbs because they work with other verbs to
add meaning to a sentence. Unlike regular verbs, modals have unique features:

 They never change form (no -s, -ed, or -ing endings).

 They are followed by the base form of a verb (e.g., go, eat, study).
 They don’t need “to” before the main verb (except for “ought to”).
 They help show the speaker’s attitude or the likelihood of something happening.

Example:

 I can swim. (Ability)

 You should study. (Advice)

Modals are like little helpers that add flavor to your sentences, showing how you feel about an
action!

Why Are Modals Important?

Modals are used in everyday communication to:

 Ask for permission: “Can I go out?”

 Give advice: “You should drink water.”
 Talk about possibilities: “It might rain today.”
 Express rules or duties: “You must wear a helmet.”

Types of Modals and Their Uses

Modals can be grouped based on their meanings. Let’s break them down with simple
explanations and examples.

1. Modals of Ability

These show what someone can or cannot do.

 Can: Shows present ability or permission.

o Example: I can ride a bicycle. (I have the skill.)
o Example: You can borrow my book. (Permission granted.)
 Could: Shows past ability or polite permission.
 o Example: When I was young, I could run fast. (Past ability.)
o Example: Could I use your phone? (Polite request.)

2. Modals of Possibility

These show how likely something is to happen.

 May: Shows possibility or formal permission.

o Example: It may rain this afternoon. (There’s a chance.)
o Example: You may enter the room. (Formal permission.)
 Might: Shows a smaller possibility (less certain than “may”).
o Example: She might come to the party. (It’s possible but not sure.)
 Could: Shows possibility in hypothetical situations.
o Example: If we leave now, we could catch the bus. (Possible outcome.)

3. Modals of Advice

These suggest what someone should or shouldn’t do.

 Should: Gives advice or recommends something.

o Example: You should study for the exam. (It’s a good idea.)
o Example: You shouldn’t eat too much sugar. (Advice to avoid.)
 Ought to: Similar to “should” but slightly more formal, often used for moral duty.
o Example: We ought to help the poor. (It’s the right thing to do.)

4. Modals of Obligation

These show rules, duties, or necessities.

 Must: Shows strong obligation or logical necessity.

o Example: You must wear a seatbelt. (It’s a rule.)
o Example: She must be tired after working all day. (Logical conclusion.)
 Have to: Shows obligation due to external rules (not a modal but often taught with them).
o Example: I have to finish my homework. (Teacher’s rule.)
 Need to: Shows necessity (not a modal but related).
o Example: You need to drink water to stay healthy.

5. Modals of Prohibition

These show what is not allowed.

 Must not: Shows something is forbidden.

o Example: You must not smoke here. (It’s against the rules.)
 Cannot: Shows prohibition or inability.
o Example: You cannot park here. (Prohibited.)
6. Modals of Request and Offer

These are used to ask for something politely or offer help.

 Can: Informal request.

o Example: Can you help me with this?
 Could: Polite request.
o Example: Could you open the door, please?
 Will: Shows willingness or a promise.
o Example: I will call you later. (Promise.)
 Would: Polite request or offer.
o Example: Would you like some tea? (Offer.)

7. Modals of Prediction

These show what the speaker expects to happen.

 Will: Shows future certainty or prediction.

o Example: It will rain tomorrow. (I’m sure.)
 Shall: Formal prediction or suggestion (often used with “I” or “we”).
o Example: We shall meet at 5 PM. (Formal plan.)

Key Rules for Using Modals

1. Structure: Modal + Base Verb
o Correct: She can sing.
o Wrong: She can singing. (No -ing form.)
2. No “to” Before the Verb (except “ought to”):
o Correct: You must go.
o Correct: You ought to apologize.
o Wrong: You must to go.
3. No Subject-Verb Agreement: Modals don’t change with the subject.
o Correct: He can dance. / They can dance.
o Wrong: He cans dance.
4. Negatives: Add “not” after the modal.
o Can → Cannot (written as one word) or Can’t.
o Will → Will not or Won’t.
o Should → Should not or Shouldn’t.
5. Questions: Invert the modal and subject.
o Statement: You can swim.
o Question: Can you swim?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Using “to” Incorrectly:
o Wrong: I can to run.
o Correct: I can run.
2. Confusing “Can” and “Could”:
o Wrong: Could I swim when I was five? (If you’re stating past ability, use
“could”.)
o Correct: I could swim when I was five.
3. Misusing “Must” and “Have to”:
o Wrong: I must go to school because my teacher said so. (External rule = “have
to”.)
o Correct: I have to go to school because my teacher said so.
4. Overusing Modals:
o Wrong: You should must study. (Use one modal.)
o Correct: You should study.

Tips for Beginners

 Start Simple: Focus on “can,” “will,” and “should” first, as they’re common and
versatile.
 Practice Speaking: Use modals in daily conversations, e.g., “Can I have water?” or “I
should sleep early.”
 Read Examples: Look for modals in newspapers or storybooks to see how they’re used.
 Make Sentences: Write 5 sentences daily using different modals to build confidence.
 Ask Questions: If you’re confused, ask your teacher or use examples to clarify (NEP:
Inquiry-based learning).

Practice Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (MCQ)

Choose the correct modal to complete each sentence.

1. You ______ finish your homework before watching TV.

a) can
b) must
c) might
d) will
2. ______ I borrow your pen, please?
a) Should
 b) Could
c) Must
d) Shall
3. She ______ be late because her bus broke down.
a) might
b) ought
c) will
d) can
4. We ______ not litter in the park.
a) can
b) should
c) would
d) must
5. I ______ visit my grandparents tomorrow.
a) will
b) must
c) should
d) might

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

Rewrite the sentences if they are incorrect. If correct, write “Correct.”

1. I can to play football.

2. You mustn’t to cheat in exams.
3. She should studies harder.
4. Can you help me with this?
5. He will calls you later.

Exercise 3: Write Sentences

Write one sentence for each modal below, using the given context.

1. Can (ability): About your skills.

2. Should (advice): About health.
3. Must (obligation): About a school rule.
4. Might (possibility): About the weather.
5. Would (request): Asking for help.

Exercise 4: Match the Modal to Its Use

Match each modal to its correct use.

Modal Use
1. Can a) Polite request
2. Must b) Ability
3. Could c) Strong obligation
4. Should d) Advice
5. Might e) Possibility

Solutions to Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks (MCQ)

1. b) must (Obligation: Homework is a duty.)

2. b) could (Polite request: Asking for a pen.)
3. a) might (Possibility: Bus breakdown makes lateness possible.)
4. d) must (Prohibition: Littering is forbidden.)
5. a) will (Prediction: A definite plan to visit.)

Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences

1. Incorrect: I can to play football. → Correct: I can play football.

2. Incorrect: You mustn’t to cheat in exams. → Correct: You mustn’t cheat in exams.
3. Incorrect: She should studies harder. → Correct: She should study harder.
4. Correct: Can you help me with this?
5. Incorrect: He will calls you later. → Correct: He will call you later.

Exercise 3: Write Sentences (Sample Answers)

1. Can: I can sing very well.

2. Should: You should exercise daily to stay healthy.
3. Must: You must submit your assignments on time.
4. Might: It might snow this evening.
5. Would: Would you help me carry these books?

Exercise 4: Match the Modal to Its Use

1. Can → b) Ability
2. Must → c) Strong obligation
3. Could → a) Polite request
4. Should → d) Advice
5. Might → e) Possibility

Additional Learning Activities (NEP: Experiential Learning)

 1. Role-Play: In pairs, act out a scene where one student asks for permission (using “can” or
“could”) and the other gives advice (using “should”). Example: Asking to borrow a book
and getting study tips.
2. Real-Life Application: Write a short letter to your teacher using modals (e.g., “Could I
submit my project later? I must complete it carefully.”).
3. Group Discussion: Discuss: “What rules in school use ‘must’ or ‘should’?” List 5 rules
and share (e.g., “We must wear uniforms.”).
4. Modal Hunt: Read a short newspaper article and underline all modals. Discuss their
meanings in class.

Common Modal Pairs to Understand

 Can vs. Could: “Can” is for present ability/permission; “could” is for past ability or
polite requests.
o Example: I can swim now. / I could swim when I was five.
 May vs. Might: “May” shows higher possibility; “might” shows less certainty.
o Example: It may rain soon. / It might rain later.
 Must vs. Have to: “Must” is internal obligation or logical conclusion; “have to” is
external obligation.
o Example: I must study (I feel it’s important). / I have to study (teacher’s rule).

Quick Reference Table

Modal Main Uses Example
Can Ability, permission I can dance. / Can I leave?
Could Past ability, polite request I could run fast. / Could you help?
May Possibility, formal permission It may rain. / May I sit here?
Might Smaller possibility She might call later.
Should Advice, recommendation You should rest.
Ought to Moral duty, advice We ought to recycle.
Must Obligation, logical conclusion You must stop. / She must be sick.
Must not Prohibition You must not touch this.
Will Prediction, promise It will rain. / I will help you.
Would Polite request, offer Would you like tea?
Shall Formal suggestion, prediction Shall we dance?