Modals Exercise for Class 10: Practicing Modal Verbs in English

What are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, ability, or obligation. They are used alongside the main verb in a sentence to add meaning, often relating to how certain or possible something is, or how necessary or advisable it is.

The below table illustrates the Modal Verb along with examples and its function:

Common Confusions:

• Can vs. Could: "Can" is used for present ability, while "could" refers to past ability or polite requests.

• May vs. Might: "May" implies a higher probability than "might," which suggests a lower chance.

Tips for Learning

• Use modals in different sentences to become comfortable with their meanings and uses.

• Pay attention to the context in which modals are used to understand their precise meaning.

Worksheet to Solve

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb from the list: can, could, may, must, should, might.

1. You ___ wear a helmet while riding a bike.

2. ___ you help me with my project?

3. She ___ be at the library; I'm not sure.

4. You ___ finish your homework before going out.

5. ___ you swim when you were younger?

6. We ___ go to the museum tomorrow if the weather is nice.

Exercise 2: Match the Modal Verbs with Their Functions

Match each modal verb with its primary function by writing the letter of the function next to the modal verb.

1. Can - A) Permission

2. Must - B) Ability

3. Should - C) Obligation

4. May - D) Advice

5. Might - E) Possibility

6. Could - F) Polite Request

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Modal Verb

Select the most appropriate modal verb for each sentence from the options provided.

1. You ___ finish your dinner before you leave. (must, can)

2. ___ I borrow your book for a week? (Could, Should)

3. It ___ rain later, so take an umbrella. (might, must)

4. She ___ swim very fast when she was younger. (can, could)

5. We ___ go to the party if we finish our work. (may, should)

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. must

2. Could

3. Might

4. should

5. Could

6. Might

Exercise 2: Match the Modal Verbs with Their Functions

1. Can - B) Ability

2. Must - C) Obligation

3. Should - D) Advice

4. May - A) Permission

5. Might - E) Possibility

6. Could - F) Polite Request

Exercise 3: Choose the Correct Modal Verb

1. must

2. Could

3. might

4. could

5. May

Test Your Understanding of Modals

1. Which modal verb is used to express ability?

A) Must

B) Could

C) Should

D) May

2. Which of the following sentences uses a modal to give advice?

A) You should take an umbrella.

B) She may be at home.

C) Can you swim?

D) We might go to the park.

3. In which sentence is the modal verb used to request permission?

A) You must see a movie.

B) Can I use your pen?

C) We should visit our grandparents.

D) It could rain later.

4. Which modal verb indicates a necessity or obligation?

A) Might

B) Could

C) Must

D) Should

5. Which of the following modals suggests a possibility?

A) Should

B) Must

C) Might

D) Can

Check the Answers Below

1. B) Could - "Could" is used to express past ability or polite requests.

2. A) You should take an umbrella. - "Should" is used to give advice.

3. B) Can I use your pen? - "Can" is used to request permission.

4. C) Must - "Must" indicates necessity or obligation.

5. C) Might - "Might" suggests a possibility.

Takeaways from the Topic “Modals”

• Modals are essential for expressing various shades of meaning and moods in English.

• Mastery of modals helps in making communication more precise and effective.