Modals - Class 10 English Grammar Notes
Modals - Class 10 Notes
What are Modals?
Modals are helping verbs (auxiliaries) that express ability, possibility, necessity, permission, obligation, or
advice.
They are used before the base form of the main verb (without "to").
Common Modal Verbs:
- Can: Ability / Permission (e.g. She can dance well.)
- Could: Past ability / polite request (e.g. Could you help me?)
- May: Permission / possibility (e.g. May I come in?)
- Might: Less certain possibility (e.g. It might rain today.)
- Shall: Suggestion / future (formal) (e.g. Shall we begin the meeting?)
- Should: Advice / obligation (e.g. You should study hard.)
- Will: Certainty / future (e.g. He will win the match.)
- Would: Polite request / condition (e.g. Would you like tea?)
- Must: Strong obligation / necessity (e.g. You must wear a helmet.)
- Ought to: Moral duty / advice (e.g. You ought to respect elders.)
Key Rules of Modals:
1. Modals do not change with subjects.
2. Always followed by the base verb (V1).
3. No "to" after modal (except ought to).
Modals and Their Functions:
- Ability: can, could
- Permission: can, may, might
- Advice: should, ought to
- Obligation: must, should, ought to
- Possibility: may, might, could, can
Modals - Class 10 English Grammar Notes
- Polite Requests: could, would, can, may
- Future Intentions: shall, will
- Necessity: must, need to
- Deduction: must (certain), might/may (less certain)
Examples in Sentences:
- Can you solve this problem? (ability)
- You must complete your homework. (necessity)
- May I use your pen? (permission)
- He might be at home. (possibility)
- You should take rest. (advice)
Modals vs Semi-Modals:
Some verbs behave like modals but are called semi-modals, such as:
- Need to
- Have to
- Dare
- Used to
E.g.: You have to be careful. (obligation)
