What are modal verbs?
Modals (also called modal verbs, modal auxiliary verbs, modal auxiliaries) are special verbs that behave irregularly in English. They are different from normal verbs like “work, play, visit…” They give additional information about the function of the main verb that follows it. They have a great variety of communicative functions.
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Modals Exercise For Class 10 CBSE With Answers PDF
Modal auxiliaries are verbs such as can, must, could, would, etc. which are used with main verbs to express such ideas as a possibility, permission, necessity, obligation, etc.
Characteristics of Modal Verbs
- The modal verbs are:
- can
- could
- may
- might
- must
- ought to
- shall
- should
- will
- would
- dare
- need
- have to
- used to
- Modal verbs have only one form. They have no ‘ing’ or ‘ed’ forms.
- They don’t add ‘s’ or ‘es’ to the third person singular form.
For ex: Mohan can speak two languages.
She will try and visit tomorrow. - Modal verbs are followed by the infinitive of another verb without ‘to’ (first form of the verb).
- Questions are formed without do/does in the present or did in the past.
Can I help you?
May I come in? - Negative sentences are formed with not or the short format and do not use do/does or did.
Now let us see how all these modals express the modality.
Modal Verbs Worksheets With Answers for Class 10 CBSE
MODAL | EXAMPLES | INDICATORS OF |
Can/can’t | She can swim. | Ability |
It can be risky if you jump. | Possibility/probability | |
Can I borrow your book? | Seeking permission | |
Can you lend me your project file? | Request | |
Can I carry your bag? | Offer | |
Could/couldn’t | There was a time when I could skip very fast. | Past ability |
We could go to the theatre for the matinee show. | Suggestion | |
Could you please open the door? | Request | |
Could I borrow your books? | Seeking permission | |
Will/won’t | It is very hot outside so I .will spend my day at home. | Intention |
It will rain tonight. | Prediction | |
I will get you a toy from the market. | Promise | |
Shall | Shall we put the dinner on the table? | Making arrangements |
Shall I iron your shirt? | Offer | |
Would/Wouldn’t | Would you prefer wearing a coat or a jacket? | Preference |
Would you come to our wedding? | Invitation | |
Would you mind if I reach an hour late? | Permission or polite request | |
He would talk for long hours on phone. | Past habit | |
Should | We should listen to our elders. | Advice |
You should check the timings of the train. | Recommended action | |
May | May I help you? | Offer |
May I close the window? | Permission | |
May I have some water? | Request | |
India may become a sport-loving nation after the CW Games. | Possibility/probability | |
May God bless you. | Wish/desire | |
Might | The guest might drop in at night. | Future possibility |
Ought to | You ought to do your duty. | Advice |
The team of players ought to be here any time. | Probability | |
Must/mustn’t | You must listen to your mother. | Obligation |
You must not steal things. | Necessity | |
Need/needn’t | You need to learn computers. | Compulsion |
He need not write letters to the office. | Necessity |