Modals

What are modals?

Modals are special verbs that show possibility, ability, permission, obligation, or requests. They
are used with other verbs to express different meanings.
Modal Meaning Usage Example

can Ability, permission, or To show someone is able - She can swim very well.
possibility to do something, ask or (ability)
give permission, or - Can I go to the park?
indicate possibility (permission)
- It can rain later.
(possibility)

could Past ability, polite To show ability in the - He could run fast when
request, or possibility past, make polite he was young. (past
requests, or suggest a ability)
possibility - Could you help me with
my homework? (polite
request)
- It could be true.
(possibility)
may Permission or possibility To ask or give May I leave the class
permission formally, or early? (permission)
show something might - It may snow this
happen evening. (possibility)

might Slight possibility To show something is - She might come to the

less likely to happen party. (slight possibility)

shall Future action, To talk about the future - We shall meet at 5 PM.
suggestion, or offer or make suggestions/ (future action)
offers (often used with - Shall we start the
"I" or "we") game? (suggestion)
should Advice or To give advice or - You should study for
recommendation suggest what is right the test. (advice)
- We should help our
friends.
(recommendation)

will Future action or To talk about future - I will finish my work by

willingness events or show evening. (future action)
willingness - He will help you if you
ask. (willingness)

would Polite request or To make polite requests Would you pass the
hypothetical situation or talk about imaginary salt? (polite request)
situations - I would travel the
world if I had money.
(hypothetical)
must Necessity or obligation To show something is You must wear a helmet
necessary or very while cycling. (necessity)
important - She must be tired after
the long trip. (logical
conclusion)

Ought to Moral obligation, duty, or To express what is the - You ought to respect
advice right or correct thing to your elders. (moral
do, often based on moral obligation)
responsibility or - We ought to finish our
expectation homework on time.
(duty)
- She ought to apologize
for her mistake. (advice)
Need not Lack of necessity To show that something - You need not bring
is not necessary or your own lunch; food is
required provided. (no necessity)
- He need not worry
about the test; he’s
well-prepared. (no
need to worry)

Dare not Lack of courage or fear To express that I dare not go into the
of doing something someone is too afraid or dark room alone. (fear)
unwilling to do - She dare not tell her
something parents about the
broken vase. (lack of
courage)
Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct modal from the given options.
You ______ finish your homework before playing. (must / can)
______ I borrow your pencil, please? (May / Must)
She ______ swim very well when she was five. (could / might)
We ______ visit the museum if we have time. (might / must)
You ______ tell lies; it’s wrong. (ought not to / need not)
He ______ worry about the exam; he has studied well. (need not / dare not)
I ______ speak to the teacher about my doubts tomorrow. (will / could)
______ we go for a picnic this weekend? (Shall / Should)
She ______ tell anyone about the surprise party. (dare not / need not)
You ______ take an umbrella as it might rain later. (should / could)
Sentence Transformation

Rewrite each sentence using the modal specified in parentheses, keeping the meaning intact.

1. It is possible that she will attend the meeting. (might)

2. You are required to wear a helmet while riding a bike. (must)
3. I am able to solve this puzzle quickly. (can)
4. It’s a good idea to revise your notes before the exam. (should)
5. He is too scared to confront his friend about the issue. (dare not)
Select the most appropriate modal to complete each sentence.

______ you please close the window? It’s getting cold.

a) Would
b) Must
c) Can
d) Ought to

Students ______ follow the school rules to maintain discipline.

a) might
b) ought to
c) need not
d) could

She ______ be at the library because she loves reading.

a) must
b) can
c) would
d) shall

If I had more time, I ______ join the debate club.

a) may
b) might
c) could
d) would

You ______ bring your own calculator; the school will provide one.
a) need not
b) dare not
c) should
d) will