English Class 10 - Modals Notes

Modals

Welcome to the chapter on Modals for Class 10. In this chapter, you will learn what modal verbs are, how to use them correctly in sentences, and how they help express ability, possibility, permission, obligation, and more. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to use modals confidently in your writing and speaking!

Introduction

Modals are special verbs that add meaning to the main verb in a sentence. They show things like ability, possibility, necessity, permission, and advice. Common modals include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would.

Common Modals and Their Uses

• Can: Ability or permission
  I can swim. / Can I go out?
• Could: Past ability or polite request
  I could run fast when I was young. / Could you help me?
• May: Permission or possibility
  May I come in? / It may rain today.
• Might: Weak possibility
  He might come to the party.
• Must: Necessity or strong obligation
  You must wear a uniform.
• Shall: Suggestion or offer (mainly with "I" or "we")
  Shall we dance?
• Should: Advice or expectation
  You should study for the test.
• Will: Future or willingness
  I will call you tomorrow.
• Would: Polite request or habitual action in the past
  Would you like some tea? / When I was a child, I would play outside.

Rules for Using Modals

• Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb (without "to").
  She can sing. (not "can to sing")
• Modals do not change form for different subjects.
  He can, I can, they can
• Modals do not take "s" in the third person singular.

Fun Activity: Modal Match!

Write sentences using each modal verb. Try to use them for different meanings like permission, advice, or possibility.

Summary

• Modals help us express ability, permission, possibility, necessity, and more.
• They are always followed by the base form of the verb.
• Modals do not change with the subject.

Practice Questions

1. Fill in the blank: You ____ finish your homework before playing. (should/might)
2. Fill in the blank: ____ I borrow your pen? (Can/Will)
3. Rewrite using a modal: It is necessary for you to wear a helmet.
4. Choose the correct modal: She (can/must) speak three languages.
5. Make a polite request using "could".

Challenge Yourself

• Write five sentences using different modals.
• Change these sentences to use modals:
  
  • It is possible that he will come.
  • It is not allowed to park here.

Did You Know?

• Some modals have special forms for the past, like "could" (past of "can").
• "Ought to" is also used like a modal for advice.

Glossary

• Modal: A helping verb that adds meaning to the main verb.
• Base form: The simplest form of a verb (e.g., go, eat, play).
• Obligation: Something you must do.
• Possibility: Something that might happen.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. should
2. Can
3. You must wear a helmet.
4. can
5. (Example: Could you help me with this?)

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Practice using modals to make your English clear and effective!