Modals in English Grammar

CBSE Class 10 Modals: Rules, Examples, and Practice

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Modals in English Grammar – Class 10 (NCERT)

Modals are auxiliary (helping) verbs that express the mode or manner of actions indicated by the main verb. They show ability, possibility, permission, obligation, necessity, advice, etc.

Definition of Modals

Modals are special verbs that behave differently from normal verbs. They:

  • Do not change form (no -s, -ing, -ed).

  • Are always followed by a base verb (V1).

  • Express attitudes like ability, permission, necessity, etc.

Example:

  • She can swim. (ability)

  • You must complete your homework. (obligation)

Modal Verbs Chart

Modal Verb Usage Example
Can Ability, Permission, Possibility She can solve this puzzle.
Could Past ability, Polite request Could you help me?
May Permission, Possibility May I go out?
Might Slight possibility It might rain today.
Shall Suggestion (I/we), Future action Shall we begin?
Should Advice, Duty You should study regularly.
Will Future certainty, Promise I will call you tomorrow.
Would Polite request, Habit in past Would you like some tea?
Must Strong obligation, Necessity You must wear a seatbelt.
Ought to Moral duty, Advice You ought to respect elders.
Need (to) Necessity (used like a main verb) She needs to finish her work.
Dare (to) Challenge (rarely used as modal) How dare you interrupt me!

Examples of Modals

1. Ability

  • She can speak French fluently.

  • He could run fast when he was young.

2. Permission

  • May I borrow your pen?

  • Can I leave early today?

3. Obligation & Necessity

  • You must follow traffic rules.

  • We ought to help the poor.

4. Advice

  • You should eat healthy food.

  • They ought to apologize.

5. Possibility

  • It may rain tomorrow.

  • She might come to the party.

6. Polite Request

  • Could you pass the salt, please?

  • Would you mind closing the door?

Practice Questions (NCERT-Based)

A. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals:

  1. You ______ obey your teachers. (must/should)

  2. ______ I use your phone? (May/Should)

  3. She ______ solve this problem easily. (can/must)

  4. If you work hard, you ______ pass the exam. (will/would)

  5. He ______ ride a bike when he was ten. (could/should)

B. Rewrite the sentences using appropriate modals:

  1. It is necessary for students to wear uniforms.
    → Students ______ wear uniforms.

  2. Perhaps she will join us later.
    → She ______ join us later.

  3. I advise you to take medicine on time.
    → You ______ take medicine on time.

  4. Is it okay if I borrow your book?
    → ______ I borrow your book?

  5. He was able to swim across the river.
    → He ______ swim across the river.

C. Choose the correct modal:

  1. You ______ drive carefully in fog. (must/can)

  2. ______ you please help me? (Would/Should)

  3. She ______ be at home; the lights are off. (can’t/mustn’t)

  4. We ______ protect our environment. (ought to/can)

  5. They ______ win the match if they play well. (might/shall)

Answers:

A: 1. must, 2. May, 3. can, 4. will, 5. could
B: 1. must, 2. might, 3. should, 4. May/Can, 5. could
C: 1. must, 2. Would, 3. can’t, 4. ought to, 5. might

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