Verbs - Modals
* Modals never change their form with the number or person of the subject.
For example:
I can swim.
You can swim.
They/The girls can swim.
* Modals are always followed by the main verb, which is the base form of the verb.
For example:
He might come today.
We shall reach by noon.
The girls may leave now.
* The past tense form of modals may not always refer to past time.
For example:
They could solve all the riddle. (past ability)
You could have dropped it at my place. (past possibility)
We could try a new route. (weak possibility in the present)
He could try another route if this is jammed. (suggestion referring to future)
Could I borrow your book tomorrow? (request referring to near future)
They would visit us often. (repeated action in the past)
She would be surprise when we reach there. (expected reaction in the future)
* Can expresses ability in the present.
For example:
I can skate down a slop.
* Could expresses past ability.
For example:
Meera could eat a dozen bananas as a child.
* Can expresses stronger possibility than could.
For example:
I can do it better. (certain)
It could be my mistake. (unsure)
* Can is less polite than could and is used informally.
* May expresses a strong possibility.
For example:
I may have a cavity in my teeth.
It hurts!
* Might expresses a strong possibility.
For example:
The dentist might call me again.
* We use might to make a suggestion sound polite.
We use might with like/want/prefer.
For example:
You might like to try our new range of products.
* Shall is used only with I and we when used to express intention or make a prediction.
* We use should, not shall, for advice and suggestions made in statement form.
For example:
We should not step out in the storm. ✓
We should not step out in the storm. ⋉
* We use will for instant decisions.
For example:
We will watch a movie tonight.
I will save money for your gift.
* Would is more formal and less direct than will when we make offers and requests, and we usually follow it with mind + the -ing form of the verb.
For example:
Would you mind getting me some soup?
A. Complete the following sentences with the modal verbs can, could, may or might.
1. The house could have been broken in during their absence.
2. I can climb a tree without any help from you.
3. People could walk for miles when the days were cooler.
4. May I join you in the game?
5. Can I borrow another library book besides this one?
B. Complete the sentences with the modal verbs will, would, shall or should.
1. My mother will help you in all possible ways.
2. What should we do over the weekend?
3. One should not depend on anyone for one's own happiness.
4. I would like to go backpacking to Scotland.
5. My mother told me I should be regular in my studies.
6. What will you do if you lose the key to the house?
7. As children, we should often play around the banyan tree in the courtyard.
8. Will Uncle Mark allow me to sit on the front seat?
C. Complete the sentences with the modal verbs must or should.
1. Students must come to school on time.
2. One should respect one's elders.
3. All citizens must obey the traffic rules.
4. Nobody should harm animals.
5. You should chew your food properly.
6. People must pay their taxes honestly.
D. Write how you would say these using the modals given in brackets. The first one has been done for you.
1. You want permission to use the computer. (may)
= May I use the computer?
2. You want to open the window. (could)
= If I could open the window?
3. You want to share a seat in the bus. (would)
= Would you like to seat on this seat?
4. You want to help an old man to carry his bag. (shall)
= Shall I carry your bag?
5. You want the teacher to repeat the sentence. (could)
= Sir, could you please repeat the sentence?
6. You want to tell the new student to maintain silence in the library. (must)
= You must keep silence in the library.
7. You want to tell about your chances of winning a scholarship. (might)
= I might win the scholarship.
8. You want to ride your friend's bicycle. (can)
= Can I ride your bicycle?
9. You want your friend to come to your playhouse. (will)
= Will you come to my play house?
10. You want to suggest to your neighbour to inform the security. (should)
= You should inform the security.
E. Write three answers to each question using the modal verbs mentioned in brackets. The first one has been done for you.
1. What would you do if you see a building on fire?
(should, could, must)
= I should inform the police in the building at once.
I could use a water hose to calm the flames.
I must inform the firemen immediately.
2. Why do you think Janet is wearing a cap to school?(may, could, must)
= She may have less hair in her head.
I could have died her hair.
She must have fear of falling and getting hurt.
3. Why do you think the cat has been mewing? (must, could, might)
= It must saw something.
It could have seen something unnatural.
It might have got hurt.
4. Why do you think the teacher is in a hurry? (may, must, could)
= He may have some urgent task.
He must have been called by the principal.
He could have received a call from his home.
5. Why do you think your school has announced a sudden holiday? (must, might, could)
= It must have got an order from the school DI office.
It might going to organise an event on that day.
It could have to accomplish an work in the school premises of the government.