English Class 9 - Modals Notes

Modals

Welcome to the chapter on Modals for Class 9. 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 speech!

Introduction

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

Common Modals and Their Uses

• Can: Shows ability or permission.
  I can swim. / Can I go out?
• Could: Past ability or polite requests.
  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.
  She might visit us.
• Must: Necessity or strong obligation.
  You must wear a uniform.
• Shall: Suggestion or offer (mainly with "I" or "we").
  Shall we start?
• Should: Advice or recommendation.
  You should study for exams.
• Will: Future or willingness.
  I will call you tomorrow.
• Would: 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 swim. / They can swim.
• To make negatives, add "not" after the modal.
  You must not be late.

Fun Activity: Modal Match!

Write sentences using each modal verb. Try to use them for ability, permission, advice, and possibility.

Summary

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

Practice Questions

1. Fill in the blank: You ____ finish your homework before playing. (must/should)
2. Rewrite using a modal: It is possible that she will come. (may/might)
3. Make a polite request using "could".
4. Write a sentence using "can" to show ability.
5. Change to negative: He will help you.

Challenge Yourself

• Write five sentences using different modals.
• Explain the difference between "must" and "should" with examples.

Did You Know?

• Modals do not have past or future forms, but "could" and "would" are used for past or hypothetical situations.
• "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).
• Ability: What someone can do.
• Necessity: Something that must be done.

Answers to Practice Questions

1. must/should
2. She may/might come.
3. Could you help me with this?
4. I can speak English.
5. He will not help you.

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Use modals to make your English clear, polite, and powerful!