Modal Verbs in English Grammar: Definitions, Rules, Examples, and Practice Worksheet
Modals in English Grammar: Definitions, Rules, Examples, and Practice Worksheet
Feeling a little confused about when to use "can" instead of "could" or "must" instead of "should"? You're not alone! Modals are special verbs that behave differently from regular verbs, and they are crucial for expressing everything from ability to possibility to obligation.
This guide will break down each modal for you, one by one, with clear uses and examples. Let's unlock the power of these tiny but mighty words!
What Are Modals?
Modals are helping verbs that are always used with a main verb. They give us more information about the function of the main verb. The key thing to remember is that they never change their form. It's always can, not cans or canned.
Here is the complete list of core modals:
can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must, ought to.
Now, let's explore each one in detail.
Get downloadable link of MODAL WORKSHEET below.
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The Modal Family: Uses and Examples
1. Can
Uses:
- To express ability (to show skill or capability).
- To ask for or give permission (informal).
- To indicate possibility (theoretical possibility).
Examples:
- "I can solve this puzzle." (Shows ability)
- "Can I borrow your book?" (Asks for permission informally)
- "It can get very cold in Delhi during winter." (Shows possibility)
2.Could
Uses:
- To express past ability.
- To make a polite request.
- To show a future possibility (less certain than 'may' or 'might').
Examples:
- "When I was a child, I could sing very well." (Past ability)
- "Could you please help me with this project?" (Polite request)
- "If we don't hurry, we could miss the bus." (Future possibility)
3.May
Uses:
- To ask for or give permission (more formal than 'can').
- To express a possibility (a good chance something will happen).
- To express a wish (formal English).
Examples:
- "May I come in, sir?" (Formal permission)
- "It may rain later, so take an umbrella." (Possibility)
- "May you have a long and happy life!" (Expressing a wish)
4.Might
Uses:
- To express a possibility (weaker and less certain than 'may').
Examples:
- "She might join us for dinner, but she isn't sure yet." (Uncertain possibility)
- "If you practice hard, you might win the competition." (A tentative possibility)
5. Will
Uses:
- To show simple future tense.
- To express a voluntary action (a willingness to do something).
- To make a promise or a threat.
Examples:
- "I will call you tomorrow." (Simple future)
- "The phone is ringing. I will get it." (Voluntary action)
- "I will never forget your help." (Promise)
6.Would
Uses:
- To make a polite request or offer.
- To talk about a past habit (similar to 'used to').
- To describe a hypothetical situation.
Examples:
- "Would you like some tea?" (Polite offer)
- "After school, he would always go to the library." (Past habit)
- "If I had a million dollars, I would travel the world." (Hypothetical situation)
7.Shall
Uses:
- To make a suggestion (used with 'I' or 'we' in questions).
- To indicate future action (formal, often with 'I' and 'we').
Examples:
- "Shall we go to the park?" (Making a suggestion)
- "I shall inform the principal about this matter." (Formal future)
8.Should
Uses:
- To give advice or make a recommendation.
- To talk about duty or obligation (softer than 'must').
- To show probability.
Examples:
- "You should eat more fruits and vegetables." (Giving advice)
- "Students should complete their homework on time." (Duty)
- "Our team should win the match tomorrow." (Probability)
9.Must
Uses:
- To express strong obligation or necessity.
- To show certainty or a strong belief.
Examples:
- "You must wear a seatbelt while driving." (Strong obligation - it's a rule)
- "She worked all day. She must be tired." (Certainty - I am sure she is tired)
10.Ought to
Uses:
- To express moral obligation, duty, or advice (similar to 'should' but stronger).
Examples:
- "We ought to respect our teachers." (Moral duty)
- "You ought to apologize for your mistake." (Strong advice)
Also Read:
Test Your Knowledge: Modal Worksheet
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb: can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would, shall, or ought to.
1. You ______ not touch that wire; it is dangerous.
2. ______ I use your phone? Mine isn't working.
3. I ______ run a marathon if I train properly.
4. When we were kids, we ______ spend our summers at the beach.
5. It's getting late. I ______ leave now.
6. ______ we begin the meeting now?
7. He ______ be at least forty years old.
8. You ______ to thank her for all her help.
B. Choose the correct option:
1. (Should/Would) you please pass the salt?
2. I (can/may) speak English and Hindi.
3. It (may/must) rain today. The sky is very dark.
Answers:
A.
1. must
2. May / Can
3. can
4. would / used to
5. should / must / ought to
6. Shall
7. must
8. ought
B.
1. Would
2. can
3. may / might
Download Modal Worksheet here :
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