English · Class 7
Modals
Learn Modals with notes, examples, and practice questions.
3 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples
Chapter Overview
Modals (can, could, may, might, must, should, ought to, will, shall) express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, and advice without changing form for person or number.
Common Modals
- Can/could: ability and permission — I can swim.
- May/might: possibility — It may rain.
- Must: strong obligation/necessity — You must wear a helmet.
Advice and Prediction
- Should/ought to: advice — You should rest.
- Will/shall: future and willingness — I will help you.
- Mustn't = prohibition; need not = no obligation
Solved Examples
Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.
Modal for advice
Rewrite with 'should': It is wise to drink water.
- 1Advice → should + base verb
Answer
You should drink water.
Must vs mustn't
Students ___ cheat in exams.
- 1Prohibition → must not (mustn't)
Answer
must not / mustn't
Key Points to Remember
- ✓ Modal + base verb (no to, no -s on third person)
- ✓ Could = polite request; might = weaker possibility than may
- ✓ Dare and used to behave like modals in some patterns
- ✓ Context decides meaning: must = deduction (He must be tired)
Exam Tips
- • After modal, always use verb base form
- • Distinguish must (obligation) from should (suggestion)
- • In reported speech, modals may change (will → would)
Practice MCQs — Modals
Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.
Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0
Polite permission: ___ I borrow your pen?