Topic: Modals Date: ________

Name: ______________________________ Grade / Section: 6

MODALS
 A helping verbs when used with the main verb to
Remember express mode and attitude of the speaker is known
Modals stand independent in question tags. as modals.
 Example:
Modals do not change form with persons. May I come in.
Modals do not change form with numbers. Could you give me a pencil.
Here may and could are modals
Modals do not change form with gender.

Can Could
‘can’ is used in the following ‘Could’ is the past form of can.
context 1. Possibility:
1. Ability to do a job or work: Ex.: Anita could top the class.
The most 2. Request:
Ex.: I can do this sum.
commonly used 2. Possession of specific power:
ex.: Could you help me?
3. Advice:
modals are: Ex.: Only Principal can grant him ex.: You could always take healthy drinks.
leave.
can, could, Might
Ex.: You can go out without pass.
4. Permission or request: “Might” is the past form of May.
may, might, Ex.: Can you do this? 1. A state of fear:
Ex.: I might cut my finger.
will, would, May
1. Requesting and/or granting: Must
shall, should, 1. Compulsion or obligation:
ex.: You may go now.
Ex.: When you are studying, you must
2. Possibility: concentrate.
must, ought to,
Ex.: It may rain tonight. 2. Requirement
have to, need 3. Wish: Ex.: You must reach the school in time.
Ex.: May god help you! 3. Determination:
Ex.: I must top the class.
Ought to
1. Obligation or Duty:
Ex.: We ought to love our country.
Have to
2. Desirability: 1. Compulsion:
Ex.: You ought to have been there. Ex.: You have to do it.
VI. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals from the ones given in the box below.

should might can could have to

must ought to will

a) The students ___________________keep quiet during the assembly.

b) John __________________be in the playground now.

c) You ___________ research the route a little more before you set sail.

d) When you have a small child in the house, you ___________not leave small
objects lying around.

e) Anvesha: ___________ you hold your breath for more than a minute? Bunty:
No, I can’t.

f) That looks heavy. I _____________help you with it,

g) Please make sure to feed the fish while I am gone. If they don’t get enough food,
they ___________ die.

h) _______________you pass me the salt, please.

i) The teacher said we ___________ read the book if we needed extra credit.

j) The spatula ___________ be in this cupboard but it’s not here.

k) What ______________happen now?

l) The students ___________________bring their own lunch for the trip.

m) This glass _________ be handled with care.

n) Run fast lest you _________ be late.