RBSE Solutions Class 10 English Grammar Modals

Modal Auxiliaries की विशेषताएँ

• इनकी III Person, Singular Number के Subject के साथ -s form नहीं होती।
• इनकी -ing form नहीं होती।
• अन्य Verbs की तरह, इनकी 3 forms- Present, Past व Past Participle नहीं होती।
• ये अन्य Verbs के साथ मिलकर, उनके अर्थ को प्रभावित करते हैं।

Negative Forms of Modal Auxiliaries

Modal Auxiliaries के negative दो प्रकार बनते हैं। (1) Short form, (2) Full form

Short form का प्रयोग बोलचाल (conversation) में अधिक करते हैं। Written English में short form व full form दोनों का

Use of Negative Forms

1. I can go there.
I cannot go there.
I can't go there.

2. We could go there.
We could not go there.
We couldn't go there.

3. I shall go there.
I shall not go there.
I shan't go there.

4. He should go there.
He should not go there.
He shouldn't go there.

5. She will go there.
She will not go there.
She won't go there.

6. It would go there.
It would not go there.
It wouldn't go there.

7. They may go there.
They may not go there.
They mayn't go there.

Ramesh mustn't go there.

10. Sita need not go there.
Sita needn't go there.
Need Sita go there?

11. They ought to go there.
They ought not to go there.
They oughtn't to go there.

Note:

• Need का प्रयोग Model Auxiliary के रूप में सामान्यतया Negative और Interrogative Sentences में ही होता है।
• Ought के बाद to का प्रयोग अनिवार्य रूप से होता है।
• Ought का प्रयोग Past Tense में हो तो इसके बाद to have + verb की III form काम में आएगी।

1. Use of 'Can'

Can का प्रयोग निम्नलिखित बातें बताने के लिए होता है।

1. Ability (योग्यता) बताने के लिए

He can swim across any river.
Mr. James can teach English Grammar to any class.
A poet can compose poems.

2. Power (शक्ति-प्रदर्शन) के लिए

Deepak Singh can beat most other wrestlers.
Fire can burn anything.
He can climb any mountain as he is a a very good mountaineer.

3. Permission (आज्ञा) माँगने या देने के लिए

Can I use your pen? Yes, you can. No, you can't?
Can you lend me your shirt? Yes, I can. No, I can't?

4. Capability (योग्यता) बताने के लिए

He can speak English fluently.
They can work continuously for six hours.

5. Capacity (क्षमता) बताने के लिए

This pitcher can hold a lot of water.

Note: Cannot का प्रयोग prohibition के लिए किया जाता है।

You cannot do what you like.
You can't touch my body.

2. Use of 'Could'

1. Past Tense में Could का प्रयोग उपर्युक्त बातें बताने के लिए किया जाता है।

Jerry could chop trees when he was only six years old. (ability)
Rustam could defeat any wrestler. (power)
Vivekanand could speak in English continuously for many hours. (capability)
It could be true. (strong probability)
Ramesh was so weak that he could not walk. (capacity)

2. Polite request (विनप्र निवेदन) के लिए

Could you lend me one hundred rupees?
Could you tell me the way to the secretariat?
Could you give your book?

3. Could have का प्रयोग भूतकाल (Past Tense) के लिए होता है।

I could have learnt this poem easily.
He could have swum in the river.

3. Use of 'Shall and Will'

1. साधारणतया । और We के साथ Shall और अन्य के साथ Will लगाते हैं।

(a) We shall go to see our parents tomorrow.
(b) I shall take medicine regularly.
(c) Ramesh will go to Udaipur tomorrow.
(d) My brother will take exercise regularly from tomorrow.

2. विशेष परिस्थिति में अर्थात इच्छा, आज्ञा, प्रतिज्ञा, वादा, धमकी, निषेध व संकल्प बताने के लिए। और we के साथ will और अन्य के साथ shall काम में लेते हैं।

I will not give up smoking in any condition. (संकल्प)
I will help the poor and the needy. (इच्छा)
Duryodhan said, "I will not give an inch of land to the Pandavas." (प्रतिज्ञा या संकल्प)
If you don't return my money, I will beat you. (धमकी)

Shall I write an essay?
Will you go to the garden?
Will you fly kites in January?

Note: Use 'will' When in Confusion.

4. Use of 'Should'

Shall का Past Tense-Should है। Should का प्रयोग निम्न स्थानों पर करते हैं।

1. Duty (कर्तव्य) और Moral Responsibility (नैतिक उत्तरदायित्व) बताने के लिए सभी Persons के साथ

We should help the poor and the needy.
We should respect the elders.
We should pray to God daily.

2. Advice (सलाह) देने के लिए

You should work hard to improve your division.
You should call for help when you are in trouble.
You should go for a walk daily.

3. Suggestion (सुसाव) देने के लिए

You should invest your money in the N.S.C.
You should do your home-work regularly.

4. Sequence of Tenses में – यदि वाक्य Past Tense में शुरू हुआ हो।

I told my brother that we should work harder in future.

5. Past Tense में कर्तव्य बताने के लिए should have का प्रयोग करते हैं।

We should have gone there before long.
We should have helped the sick and the poor.

6. Lest के साथ हमेशा should का प्रयोग होता है।

Read carefully lest you should fail.
Walk carefully lest you should stumble.

5. Use of 'Would'

will का Past Tense would है। would का प्रयोग निम्न स्थानों पर करते हैं:

Would you please lend me your pen?
Would you please sing a song?
Would you mind opening the window?

3. Preference (वरीयता) बताने के लिए would rather को प्रयोग करते हैं।

He would rather have tea than coffee.
I would rather die than beg.

4. Conditional Sentences में काल्पनिक संभावना व्यक्त करने के लिए।

If I were rich, I would buy an aeroplane.
If I were rich, I would help the poor and the needy.
Would that I were a bird.

6. Use of 'May'

1. Permission (आज्ञा) माँगने या देने के लिए

May I come in, sir? Yes, you may.

2. Possibility (संभावना) व्यक्त करने के लिए

He may come at any time.
The train may be late.
There are dark clouds in the sky. It may rain today.

3. Blessing (आशीर्वाद) देने के लिए

May you live long.
May you pass with flying colours.

4. Curse (शाप) देने के लिए

Durvasa Muni said, “May Dushyant forget you.”

5. Wish (इच्छा या शुभकामना) व्यक्त करने के लिए

May you prosper in life.
May you pass this year.

6. Aim (उद्देश्य) बताने के लिए

Students work hard so that they may get good marks.

7. Use of 'Might'

1. Might का प्रयोग उपर्युक्त बातें Past Tense में बताने के लिए करते हैं।

I am afraid the news might be true.

It might be your father.
Hanuman might win first prize.

3. Hesitation (झिझक) या Politeness (विनम्रता) बताने के लिए

Might I accompany you?
Might you come to see me tomorrow?

4. यह May की अपेक्षा अधिक अनिश्चितता (More Uncertainty) बताने के लिए

The History teacher might come
इतिहास शिक्षक के (आने) की संभावना काफी कम

5. Direct Narration को Indirect Narration में बदलने पर May का Past Tense, Might प्रयोग हो जाता है।

The teacher said that it might rain.
The palmist said that he might fall ill.

8. Use of 'Must'

• इसका 'अनिवार्यता' के रूप में प्रयोग किया जाता है।
• इसका Past व Future Form नहीं होती।
• इसके बजाय Present Tense में has to या have to व Past Tense में had to या did not have to और Future Tense में will have to या shall have to + verb की I form काम में लेते हैं।
• Must का negative-must not है जबकि इसका opposite-need not हैं।

Must का प्रयोग निम्न स्थानों पर करते हैं।

1. Command (जोरदार आदेश) देने के लिए

You must obey the order of your superiors.
You must pay your fees today.

2. Obligation (Moral Responsibility feat नैतिक दायित्व) बताने के लिए

We must defend our country.
We must do our duty.

3. Certainty (निश्चिता) बताने के लिए

We must have caught the train for Delhi.
The student must have learnt his/her

4. Necessity (अनिवार्यता) बताने के लिए

He must work hard if he wants to get first division.
You must take the patient to the doctor as his condition is serious.
He is a big officer. He must purchase a car.

He has a big bungalow and two cars. He must be a rich man.
The officer must have left for office as it is 10 a.m.

9. Use of 'Need'

Need का प्रयोग Modal Auxiliary के रूप में आमतौर से Negative और Interrogative Sentences में किया जाता है, जब कार्य करना ज़रूरी न हो।

You need not go there, need you?
Need I take tonic No, you needn't
You need not make haste as the train is late by half an hour.
Need I go to my village?
You needn't worry about anything.

10. Use of 'Ought To'

Ought to का प्रयोग निम्न स्थानों पर किया जाता है।

1. धर्मपरायणता, (Obligation), कर्तव्यपालन (Duty), वांछनीयता (Desirability) सलाह Advice आदि बताने के लिए।

You ought to obey your parents. (obligation)
You ought to do this work. (duty)
We ought to love our nation. (desirability)
You ought to take exercise daily. (advice)
We ought to help our neighbours. (desirability or obligation)

2. अनुभव पर आधारित विश्वास (Belief Based on Study or Experience) या सशक्त संभावना (Strong Probability) बताने के लिए

He ought to be your brother (strong probability)
He has always cured complicated cases. He ought to be an experienced doctor (belief based on study.)

Note:

(i) Ought के बाद to अनिवार्य रूप से आता है।

(ii) जब ought का प्रयोग Past tense में हो तो इसके बाद to have + verb की III form आती है।

You ought to have obeyed your parents.

12. Use of 'Used To'

1. इसका प्रयोग केवल Past Tense मे होता है।

2. यह Affirmative, Negative और Interrogative Sentences में एक समान प्रयोग में आता है।

We used to fly kites when we were young.
We used not to fly kites when we were young.
Used we to fly kites when we were young?

Modals At a Glance (Modals एक झलक में)

Can shows: ability, power, permission, capability capacity and strong probability

Could shows: Past Tense of 'Can' and polite request

Could have is used in the Past Tense

Shall and will show:

• general use
• special use
• interrogative sentences

Should shows:

• duty and moral obligation
• advice
• suggestion
• Past Tense in Sequence of Tenses
• duty in the Past Tense
• lest' is always followed by 'should'

all the above unctions of 'may' in the Past Tense

• guess
• hesitation or politeness
• more uncertainty than may
• in Past Tense in Indirect Narration

Must is used for:

• necessity
• Its past and Future forms are had to/ did not have to/and will have to/shall have to + I form of verb.
• Its negative is 'must not' and opposite is 'need not

It show:

• command
• obligation
• certainty
• necessity
• negative command
• strong likelihood

Need is used: in Negative and Interrogative Sentences

Ought to shows: obligation, duty, desirability, advice, belief based on study and strong probability.

Exercise Solved

Gap Filling

Question 1. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (could, shall, will, would, must, used he)
1. He ............... is a highly educated person.
2. We ............... come back by evening.
3. Our chief minister ............... retire in January.
Answer:
2. shall
3. will
4. could
In simple words: When filling in modal blanks, pick the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence. Modals help express things like possibility, permission, or obligation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always read the full sentence to understand the context – is it about ability, possibility, obligation, or a polite request? This helps select the correct modal.

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (will could, should, may, might, shall)
1. Father said that his son ............... Fail in paraphrases.
2. he have arrived at the bus stand in time.
3. You ............... take care of your health.
4. ............... God help you.
Answer:
1. might
2. could
3. should
4. may
In simple words: We choose modals based on the feeling of the sentence. 'Might' shows small possibility, 'could' shows ability, 'should' shows advice, and 'may' shows possibility or a wish. Each modal changes the meaning a little.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to keywords like "said that" (often signals a past modal like 'might') or "take care" (suggests advice, 'should').

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (need, ought to, shall, must, will, may)
1. we ............... defend our country.
2. you ............... not go there.
3. you ............... Obey your elders.
4. she ............... go to America.
Answer:
1. must
2. need
3. ought to
In simple words: 'Must' shows something is very important. 'Need' is for when something is not needed, often with 'not'. 'Ought to' is for duties or advice. The fourth blank does not have a given answer here.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that 'ought to' always needs 'to' after it, unlike other modals like 'must' or 'need' when used alone.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (need, ought to, shall, must, will, may)
1. We must pay ............... regularly.
2. ............... I could in, sir?
3. Ramesh ............... to look after his old father.
4. The sky is clear now. It ............... rain in the evening.
Answer:
1. Must
2. may
3. ought to
4. might
In simple words: 'Must' shows a strong need. 'May' asks for permission. 'Ought to' implies a moral duty. 'Might' shows a small chance. We pick modals to match what each sentence means.

🎯 Exam Tip: For polite requests or uncertain possibilities, 'may' and 'might' are often good choices, while 'must' implies necessity.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (must, shall, will, used to, may, should)
1. When they come here, we ............... help them.
2. The Janak Express ............... reach how at 7 o'clock is the evening.
3. We ............... help the crippled.
4. When we were young, we ............... work hard.
Answer:
1. shall
2. will
3. must
4. used to
In simple words: 'Shall' is used for future actions. 'Will' also shows future, often for predictions. 'Must' shows it is very important. 'Used to' talks about habits in the past. These words help us show when and how things happen.

🎯 Exam Tip: Differentiate between 'shall' and 'will' for future tense – 'shall' is sometimes used with 'I' and 'we' in formal contexts, while 'will' is more common generally.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (cannot, may, could, would, will, must)
1. Hanumanji ............... easily cross the ocean.
Answer:
1. cannot
In simple words: This blank is likely a typo in the original question, as Hanumanji is known for crossing oceans. If the sentence intends to express inability, 'cannot' would be used. However, 'could' would imply ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: When faced with ambiguous questions, consider the most logical fit from the given options and note any common knowledge that might influence the choice, like historical or mythical contexts.

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (should, shall, can, may, will, would)
1. He ............... return your money.
2. I ............... leave Jaipur by the evening.
3. Ramesh ............... work day and night.
4. Mahesh ............... defeat Ravi in kite flying.
Answer:
1. will
2. shall
3. can
4. can
In simple words: 'Will' shows a promise or future event. 'Shall' is for future, often with 'I' or 'we'. 'Can' is for ability. We choose these words to show future plans or what someone is able to do.

🎯 Exam Tip: 'Can' is used for present ability, while 'could' is for past ability or polite requests. Ensure you use the correct tense and mood.

Question 8. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (Need, must, will, should, might, could)
1. I ............... buy car if I had money.
2. My friend ............... get good marks this year.
3. You ............... go now.
4. I ............... purchase a good house this year.
Answer:
1. could
In simple words: 'Could' shows possibility or a conditional desire. If a person had money, they would be able to buy a car. The other parts of the question do not have given answers here.

🎯 Exam Tip: For hypothetical situations (like "if I had money"), 'could' or 'would' are often appropriate, showing a possibility or outcome.

Question 9. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (May, can, should, shall, would, could)
(i) She .......... cheat you.
(ii) We'eat so that you we .......... live.
(iii) .......... I visit your library?
(iv) I .......... like to give you a surprise.
Answer:
(i) can
(ii) may
(iii) Shall
(iv) would
In simple words: Choose the modal verb that best fits the meaning of each sentence. 'Can' shows ability, 'may' shows purpose, 'shall' asks for permission, and 'would' shows a polite preference.

🎯 Exam Tip: When choosing modals for 'fill in the blanks', read the sentence carefully to understand the context of ability, possibility, permission, or desire.

Question 10. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (will/shall, would, should, must/can)
(i) You .......... do this work.
(ii) They .......... get here by 5 o'clock.
(iii) Nobody .......... touch my book without my permission.
(iv) What .......... be correct spelling?
Answer:
(i) can
(ii) will
(iii) shall
(iv) should
In simple words: Pick the modal that expresses the right idea for each sentence. 'Can' shows ability, 'will' shows future action, 'shall' shows determination, and 'should' asks for advice.

🎯 Exam Tip: Pay attention to keywords like "without my permission" which often indicate a strong prohibition, usually requiring 'shall' or 'must not'.

Question 12. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (may, can, should, would, could, shall)
(i) I .......... continuously work for eight hours.
(ii) You .......... work hard so that you .......... get reward.
(iii) We .......... not pass in the examination.
(iv) .......... that I were rich.
Answer:
(i) can
(ii) should
(iii) could
(iv) Would
In simple words: Select the modal that best fits the meaning of each sentence. 'Can' shows ability, 'should' gives advice, 'could' shows past inability, and 'would' expresses a wish. Working hard helps you succeed.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember that "lest" is almost always followed by "should" to express a warning against something. Also, "Would that..." is a classic way to express a strong wish.

Question 1. Write the correct answer in the bracket.
1. Walk carefully lest you.... stumble.
(a) would
(b) should
(c) could
(d) must
Answer: (b) should
In simple words: The word "lest" means "to prevent something from happening." So, "lest you should stumble" means to walk carefully to prevent stumbling.

🎯 Exam Tip: The construction "lest ... should" is a fixed phrase in English, always using 'should' to indicate a negative purpose or warning.

Question 1.
3. They....... study more as the examinations are coming nearer.
(a) can
(b) may
(c) shall
(d) should
Answer: (d) should
In simple words: When exams are close, studying more is a good idea, which is a piece of advice. "Should" is used for advice or recommendation.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Should" is commonly used to express advice, recommendation, or what is considered correct behavior.

Question 1.
4. Our team is the strongest. It ........ win the match.
(a) must
(b) can
(c) may
(d) could
Answer: (a) must
In simple words: Since the team is the strongest, it is very certain they will win. "Must" shows a very strong certainty or logical conclusion.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "must" to express a strong certainty or a logical deduction, especially when there is clear evidence supporting the conclusion.

Question 1.
5. He .... visit the circus tomorrow but he is not certain yet.
(a) will
(b) must
(c) can
(d) may
Answer: (d) may
In simple words: The phrase "not certain yet" tells us there is a possibility, but not a guarantee. "May" is used to show possibility or uncertainty.

🎯 Exam Tip: "May" and "might" are often used interchangeably for possibility, but "might" suggests a slightly weaker possibility.

Question 1.
6. ...... you mind giving me your pen for some time?
(a) Should
(b) Would
(c) Could
(d) Might
Answer: (c) Could
In simple words: This is a polite way to ask for something or make a request. "Could" is often used to make polite requests.

🎯 Exam Tip: For polite requests, "Would you mind..." or "Could you..." are common and effective phrases.

Question 1.
7. Kamla's husband is serious. She ............. go to him at once.
(a) may
(b) might
(c) must
(d) could
Answer: (c) must
In simple words: Because her husband is serious, it is absolutely necessary for her to go to him immediately. "Must" shows strong necessity or obligation.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Must" indicates a strong obligation or necessity, often in situations of urgency or high importance.

Question 1.
8. Mohd. Ismail ............ read Urdu well.
(a) will
(b) can
(c) could
(d) would
Answer: (b) can
In simple words: The sentence talks about Mohd. Ismail's ability to read Urdu. "Can" is used to express ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember to use "can" when expressing someone's present ability or skill.

Question 1.
9. It is cloudy. It ............ rain today
(a) could
(b) would
Answer: (a) could
In simple words: Dark clouds suggest a possibility of rain. "Could" expresses possibility.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Could" can indicate a general possibility, especially when referring to present or future events, similar to 'may' or 'might'.

Question 1.
11. Mugdha ran as fast as she ............
(a) could
(b) might
(c) may
(d) can
Answer: (a) could
In simple words: The sentence talks about Mugdha's past ability to run. "Could" is the past tense of "can" and shows past ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Could" is often used to describe general past abilities, while "was able to" might be used for a specific past achievement.

Question 1.
12. She ............ read without glasses when she was young.
(a) may
(b) should
(c) could
(d) would
Answer: (c) could
In simple words: The phrase "when she was young" indicates a past ability. "Could" expresses ability in the past.

🎯 Exam Tip: To talk about an ability that someone had in the past, use "could" or "was able to."

Question 1.
13. William has two big bangalows and many cars. He........... be a rich man.
(a) can
(b) could
(c) would
(d) must
Answer: (d) must
In simple words: Having many expensive things like bungalows and cars logically means he is wealthy. "Must" indicates a strong deduction or certainty.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Must" is used for strong certainty or when you are almost sure something is true based on evidence.

Question 1.
14. My daughter Dolly has more than enough dolls. We ........ buy any more for her.
(a) cannot
(b) may not
(c) need not
(d) might not
Answer: (c) need not
In simple words: Since Dolly already has plenty of dolls, there is no necessity to buy more. "Need not" shows a lack of necessity or obligation.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Need not" is used when something is not required or not necessary. For example, "You need not come if you are busy."

Question 1.
15. She worked as hard as she ............
(a) can
(b) could
(c) may
(d) might
Answer: (b) could
In simple words: This phrase compares her past effort to her past ability. "Could" indicates what she was capable of doing.

🎯 Exam Tip: "As hard as one could" is a common idiom meaning to work with all one's strength or ability.

Question 2. Write the correct answer in the bracket.
1. My friend is a body-builder. He ............ beat me easily.
(a) can
(b) could
(c) must
(d) need
Answer: (a) can
In simple words: A body-builder has the ability to beat someone easily. "Can" is used to show present ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "can" when talking about someone's capability or skill in the present.

Question 2.
2. Savitry lives like a Queen. She ............ be very rich.
(a) may
(b) might
(c) must
(d) can
Answer: (c) must
In simple words: Living like a queen means she is certainly rich. "Must" shows a logical conclusion or strong certainty.

🎯 Exam Tip: When the evidence strongly suggests a conclusion, use "must" to express that deduction.

Question 2.
3. ............ that I were the Chief Minister of Rajasthan.
(a) Should
(b) Would
(c) Shall
(d) Will
Answer: (b) Would
In simple words: This sentence expresses a strong wish or desire that is not real. "Would that" is a formal way to express a strong, often impossible, wish.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Would that..." is a literary expression used to convey a heartfelt but often unfulfilled wish, similar to "I wish that...".

Question 2.
4. My uncle is on death-bed. I........see him immediately.
(a) may
(b) might
(c) must
(d) can
Answer: (c) must
In simple words: If someone is on their deathbed, it is an urgent and absolute necessity to see them. "Must" shows a strong obligation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Situations involving serious health or urgency often require "must" to convey the strong necessity of an action.

Question 2.
5. She ............ not take exercise yesterday.
(a) should
(b) could
Answer: (b) could
In simple words: The word "yesterday" means the action happened in the past. "Could not" shows a past inability to do something.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "could not" (or "couldn't") to express a lack of ability or opportunity in the past.

Question 2.
7. My mother has a lot of saris. She ........... purchase any more.
(a) cannot
(b) may not
(c) must not
(d) need not
Answer: (c) need not
In simple words: If she already has many saris, it is not necessary to buy more. "Need not" indicates that there is no obligation or necessity.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Need not" is typically used when there is no requirement for an action, as opposed to "must not" which implies prohibition.

Question 2.
8. ............ I come in, madam?
(a) Can
(b) Shall
(c) Will
(d) May
Answer: (d) May
In simple words: "May I come in?" is the most formal and polite way to ask for permission to enter.

🎯 Exam Tip: For formal requests for permission, especially to a superior, "May I" is the most appropriate modal verb to use.

Question 2.
9. Study attentively lest you ............ fail.
(a) would
(b) should
(c) will
(d) shall
Answer: (b) should
In simple words: The structure "lest you should" is a common way to express a warning, meaning "in case you fail." So, study carefully to avoid failing.

🎯 Exam Tip: The conjunction "lest" is always followed by "should" to express a negative purpose or to prevent something undesirable from happening.

Question 2.
10. My camel was not there. So, I.... not ride it.
(a) can
(b) could
(c) would
(d) will
Answer: (b) could
In simple words: Since the camel was absent, the speaker was unable to ride it. "Could not" expresses a past inability.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Could not" is used to describe a past inability, meaning someone was not able to perform an action.

Question 2.
11. Sonu is very strong. He ..........beat anyone.
(a) can
(b) could
(c) will
(d) would
Answer: (a) can
In simple words: Being very strong means Sonu has the ability to beat anyone. "Can" expresses present ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: When expressing general ability or capability in the present, "can" is the appropriate modal verb.

Question 2.
12. Whenever he goes to see his officer, he .... wait for a long time.
(a) have to
(b) has to
(c) could
(d) would
Answer: (b) has to
In simple words: This indicates an obligation or requirement that happens regularly. "Has to" is used for an external obligation.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "has to" for third-person singular subjects when describing an obligation that comes from an external rule or situation.

Question 2.
13. We ............ open the doors and windows, it is very cold outside.
(a) cannot
Answer: (a) cannot
In simple words: Because it is very cold, opening the doors and windows is not possible. "Cannot" shows inability.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Cannot" expresses impossibility or a lack of ability to do something, especially due to circumstances.

Question 3. Write the letter of the correct answer in the brackets.
1. Your father is quite well. You ............ consult a doctor.
(a) should
(b) would
(c) must
(d) need not
Answer: (d) need not
In simple words: If someone is quite well, it means they are healthy, so consulting a doctor is not necessary. "Need not" indicates absence of necessity.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Need not" is used to say that it is not necessary to do something, as opposed to "must not" which means it is forbidden.

Question 3.
2. ............ I accompany you?
(a) May
(b) Can
(c) Would
(d) Need
Answer: (a) May
In simple words: "May I accompany you?" is a polite way to ask for permission.

🎯 Exam Tip: "May I" is typically used for polite requests or to ask for permission.

Question 3.
4. ............ God bless you with grand success.
(a) Must
(b) Will
(c) May
(d) Can
Answer: (c) May
In simple words: This sentence expresses a wish or a prayer for someone's success. "May" is used for blessings and wishes.

🎯 Exam Tip: "May" is commonly used in exclamatory sentences to express good wishes, blessings, or prayers.

Question 3.
5. P.T. Usha ............. run as fast as a tiger.
(a) will
(b) can
(c) may
(d) must
Answer: (b) can
In simple words: P.T. Usha's ability to run fast is being described. "Can" is used to show present ability or capability.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "can" to express general abilities or natural talents that a person possesses.

Question 3.
6. There are dark clouds in the sky today. It ..... rain any time.
(a) may
(b) might
(c) must
(d) will
Answer: (a) may
In simple words: Dark clouds suggest a possibility of rain. "May" expresses possibility.

🎯 Exam Tip: "May" indicates a possibility, especially when there are signs or conditions that suggest something could happen.

Question 3.
7. ............ God bless you with long life."
(a) May
(b) Can
(c) Shall
(d) Will
Answer: (a) May
In simple words: This is a common phrase used to give a blessing or express a good wish for someone. "May" is used to express wishes and blessings.

🎯 Exam Tip: Sentences starting with "May God..." are typical examples of expressing a blessing or a wish.

Question 3.
8. Our kabaddi team is the strongest, We ............ win the match.
(a) can
(b) must
(c) may
(d) might
Answer: (b) must
In simple words: If a team is the strongest, it is a strong logical conclusion that they will win. "Must" shows strong certainty or deduction.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Must" is used when you are very confident about a conclusion based on available facts or strong evidence.

Question 3.
9. We ............ be very careful while walking on the road.
(a) could
(b) should
(c) would
(d) might
Answer: (b) should
In simple words: It is advisable to be careful on the road for safety. "Should" is used to give advice or recommend an action.

🎯 Exam Tip: Use "should" to express good advice or what is generally considered right or important to do.

Question 3.
10. As it is Sunday today, the shops ............ be closed.
(a) should
(b) may
Answer: (a) should
In simple words: On Sundays, shops are typically closed, so this is an expectation or general practice. "Should" expresses an expectation or what is normally true.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Should" can also express what is expected to happen, like regular closures on certain days, based on common patterns.

Question 3.
12. A tailor ............ stitch clothes.
(a) will
(b) shall
(c) can
(d) may
Answer: (c) can
In simple words: Stitching clothes is the primary ability and job of a tailor. "Can" expresses ability.

🎯 Exam Tip: For professions, "can" describes the core skill or service that person provides.

Question 3.
13. The strong ............ help the weak.
(a) would
(b) should
(c) need
(d) must
Answer: (d) must
In simple words: It is a moral obligation and a strong principle for the strong to assist those who are weak. "Must" denotes a strong moral obligation or duty.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Must" is appropriate when expressing a strong moral imperative or an absolute duty.

Question 3.
14. Your parents are quite well. You ............ not worry about them.
(a) can
(b) will
(c) shall
(d) need
Answer: (d) need
In simple words: Since your parents are well, there is no necessity to worry. "Need not" (or "need" in a negative context) means it is not necessary.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Need not" or "don't need to" indicates an absence of obligation, meaning there is no requirement for a particular action.

Question 3.
15. You ............ keep your clothes neat and clean.
(a) can
(b) may
(c) should
(d) would
Answer: (b) may
In simple words: This sentence suggests that you are permitted to keep your clothes neat and clean. "May" indicates permission.

🎯 Exam Tip: While "should" often conveys advice, "may" can imply that an action is allowed or acceptable.

Question 4. Insert suitable Modals:
1. .......... you post this letter for me? (polite request)
2. Examinees .......... answer all the questions. (obligation)
3. Ramesh .......... work hard for hours. (ability)
4. The racer .......... run continuously for many hours. (capacity)
5. .......... I come in, madam? (permission)
6. .......... you mind opening the window? (polite request)
7. One who is born ....... die some day or the other. (inevitability)
8. We .......... get up early and pray daily last year. (Repeated Activity)
9. We .......... send you a wrist-watch on your birthday. (Promise)
10. You .......... take your rain-coat with you because it is raining heavily. (necessity)
11. There .......... be a cat in the kitchen. (guess)
12. No one .......... enter our drawing-room with dirty feet. (prohibition)
13. I .......... help you whenever you will need my help. (promise)
14. He .......... control the audience for a long time. (capability)
15. .......... God help whenever you are in trouble. (blessing)
16. You .......... to take exercise daily. (advice)
17. He .......... play with bad boys. (negative command)
18. We .......... do our duty. (obligation)
19. .......... you pass this year. (Blessing)
20. He .......... have tea than coffee. (preference)
21. This pitcher .......... hold a lot of water. (capacity)
22. .......... speak French fluently. (capability)
Answer:
1. Would
2. should
3. can
4. can
(Answers for 5-9 are not provided in the source.)
10. must
11. may
12. shall
13. will
14. can
15. May
16. ought
17. must not
18. should
19. May
20. would rather
21. can
22. can
In simple words: Fill in the blanks with modals that match the hint given. "Would" for polite requests, "should" for obligation, "can" for ability, "must" for necessity, "may" for possibility, "shall" for prohibition, "will" for promise, "ought" for advice, "must not" for negative command, and "would rather" for preference.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always look at the bracketed hint (e.g., "polite request", "obligation") to choose the most appropriate modal verb for each blank.

Board Questions Solved

Question 1. Fill in the blanks choosing suitable modals from brackets : (will, must, may, should)
Doctor to patient : You (i) ............ take the medicines regularly. (ii)............ also take rest. (iii)................give me call, if you have to see me. I (iv) ............ not charge for visiting you at your place.
Answer:
(i) must
(ii) should
(iii) may
(iv) will
In simple words: The doctor is giving strong advice and making a promise. "Must" shows strong advice, "should" shows advice, "may" asks for permission, and "will" shows a promise.

🎯 Exam Tip: In dialogues, the choice of modal depends on the speaker's role (e.g., doctor giving advice, patient asking for help) and the function of the sentence (e.g., obligation, permission, promise).

Question 2. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given in the brackets below : (could, must, would, may, shall, will)
(i) Everybody ............ follow the rules and regulations of the country.
(ii) This seat is vacant. You ............ sit here.
Answer:
(i) must
(ii) may
In simple words: Following rules is an obligation, and offering a vacant seat is a permission. "Must" is for strong obligation, and "may" is for giving permission.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Must" indicates a strong obligation, often implying a legal or moral duty. "May" is commonly used to grant permission or indicate possibility.

Question 3. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (can, should, may, might, must, could)
(i) He.......... swim very well in his youth.
(ii) I think the guide .......... take us around the old monument.
(iii) My brother who is a wrestler .......... lift this big pole.
(iv) You .......... come to bungalow whenever you wish.
Answer:
(i) could
(ii) should
(iii) can
(iv) may
In simple words: "Could" shows past ability, "should" shows expectation, "can" shows present ability, and "may" gives permission. Each modal fits the meaning needed for the sentence.

🎯 Exam Tip: Consider the time frame (past, present, future) and the degree of certainty or obligation when choosing a modal verb.

Question 4. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (can, should, may, might, must, could)
(i) He.......... swim very well in his youth.
(ii) You are not well at all. You .......... see a doctor at once.
(iii) Work hard lest you .......... fail.
(iv) He is working hard so that he .......... win a scholarship
Answer:
(i) could
(ii) must
(iii) should
(iv) may
In simple words: "Could" shows past ability, "must" shows strong necessity, "should" shows a warning (with 'lest'), and "may" shows purpose.

🎯 Exam Tip: The phrase "lest you fail" strongly suggests the use of "should" to express a warning against failure.

Question 5. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (can, should, may, might, could)
(i) He.......... swim very well in his youth.
(ii) You are not well at all. You .......... see a doctor at once.
(iii) Work hard lest you .......... fail.
(iv) He is working hard so that he .......... win a scholarship
Answer:
(i) could
(ii) must
(iii) should
(iv) may
In simple words: "Could" expresses past ability, "must" indicates a strong necessity, "should" is used with "lest" for warning, and "may" shows purpose. Each modal helps complete the sentence logically.

🎯 Exam Tip: Always check if the action in the sentence is a past ability, a strong necessity, a warning, or a purpose, as this guides the choice of modal.

Question 6. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (can, could, may, must, might)
(i) There are clouds in the sky. So, it .......... rain today.
(ii) His lungs have become very weak. So, he .......... give up smoking.
(iii) My grandmother is over sixty, but she .......... still read without glasses.
(iv) He belonged to a poor family, therefore, he .......... not buy a car.
Answer:
(i) may
(ii) must
(iii) can
(iv) could
In simple words: "May" shows possibility, "must" shows strong advice, "can" shows ability, and "could" shows past inability. Modals help us express different meanings in sentences.

🎯 Exam Tip: The presence of evidence (e.g., "clouds in the sky," "lungs weak") helps determine whether to use modals like 'may' (possibility) or 'must' (strong obligation/advice).

Question 7. Fill in the blanks with suitable modals given below: (can, could, may, must, might)
(i) There are not clouds in the sky, but it .......... rain today.
(ii) Your son has got a first position in the board's exam. He ...... be a very intelligent boy.
(iii) She was a rich lady so she .......... buy a car for her son.
(iv) The patient is very serious. He........... die at any time.
Answer:
(i) might
(ii) must
(iii) could
(iv) may
In simple words: "Might" shows a slight possibility, "must" shows a strong deduction, "could" shows a past ability (or possibility for future if condition met), and "may" shows possibility.

🎯 Exam Tip: For strong deductions based on evidence (like "first position"), 'must' is appropriate. For weaker possibilities (e.g., no clouds), 'might' is better.

Exercise For Practice

Question 2. There was so much noise that we .......... neither study nor sleep.
(a) could
(b) should
(c) might
(d) would
Answer: (a) could
In simple words: The noise made it impossible to study or sleep. "Could not" (implied by 'neither') shows a past inability.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Could" is used here to indicate a past inability or lack of opportunity due to the loud noise.

Question 3. Our school ............ win in English debate. There are chances.
(a) may
(b) might
(c) could
(d) should
Answer: (a) may
In simple words: The phrase "There are chances" means there is a possibility. "May" is used to express possibility.

🎯 Exam Tip: "May" is the most common modal for expressing a general possibility, especially when chances exist.

Question 4. Students ............ to obey their teachers.
(a) may
(b) should
(c) ought
(d) must
Answer: (c) ought
In simple words: "Ought to" expresses a moral duty or obligation. Students have a moral duty to obey their teachers.

🎯 Exam Tip: The presence of "to" after the blank is a strong clue that "ought" is the correct modal to use, as it's often used as "ought to".

Question 5. They ............ rather die than steal.
(a) would
(b) could
(c) should
(d) must
Answer: (a) would
In simple words: "Would rather" expresses a preference between two actions. Here, the preference is to die instead of stealing.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Would rather" is a fixed phrase used to indicate preference, meaning "prefer to" or "would sooner".

Question 6. We ran as fast as we could lest we ............ miss the train.
(a) could
(b) would
(c) might
(d) should
Answer: (d) should
In simple words: "Lest" means "in case" or "for fear that." It is always followed by "should" when expressing a warning. We ran fast to avoid missing the train.

🎯 Exam Tip: Remember the rule: "lest" is always paired with "should" to indicate a negative purpose or to avoid an undesirable outcome.

Question 7. Sanjana has got the highest marks in her class. She ...... be an intelligent girl.
(a) can
(b) may
(c) might
(d) must
Answer: (d) must
In simple words: Getting the highest marks is strong evidence that Sanjana is intelligent. "Must" shows a strong logical deduction.

🎯 Exam Tip: "Must" is used for strong deductions when you are almost certain about something based on facts or evidence.