English Class 7 - Modals Notes

Modals

Welcome to the chapter on Modals for Class 7. In this chapter, you will learn what modal verbs are, how to use them in sentences, and how they help express ability, possibility, permission, and necessity. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to use modals correctly and confidently in your writing and speaking!

Introduction

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

Common Modals and Their Uses

• Can: Shows ability or possibility.
  I can swim.
• Could: Shows past ability or polite requests.
  Could you help me?
• May: Shows permission or possibility.
  May I come in?
• Might: Shows possibility.
  It might rain today.
• Must: Shows necessity or strong advice.
  You must wear your seatbelt.
• Shall: Used for offers or suggestions (mainly in questions).
  Shall we go?
• Should: Shows advice or recommendation.
  You should study for your exam.
• Will: Shows future actions or willingness.
  I will call you tomorrow.
• Would: Used for polite requests or hypothetical situations.
  Would you like some tea?

How to Use Modals

• Modals are always followed by the base form of the verb (without "to").
  She can dance.
  We should go.
• Modals do not change form for different subjects.
  He can run. They can run.
• To make negatives, add "not" after the modal.
  You should not shout.

Fun Activity: Modal Match!

Write sentences using different modals to show ability, permission, and advice. Share them with your classmates!

Summary

• Modals help us express ability, possibility, permission, and necessity.
• Common modals are can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.
• Modals are followed by the base form of the verb.

Practice Questions

1. Fill in the blank: You ____ finish your homework before playing. (should/must)
2. Make a sentence using "can" to show ability.
3. Write a polite request using "could".
4. Change to negative: She may come to the party.
5. Which modal shows strong advice?

Challenge Yourself

• Write five sentences using different modals.
• Find examples of modals in your English textbook.

Did You Know?

• Modals never add "s" or "ed" to their form.
• "Must" is used for rules and strong advice.

Glossary

• Modal: A special verb that adds meaning to the main verb.
• Base form: The simple form of a verb (like "go", "eat", "play").
• Ability: What someone can do.
• Permission: Allowing someone to do something.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. should/must
2. I can swim.
3. Could you please help me?
4. She may not come to the party.
5. Should or must.

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Use modals to make your English clear and powerful!