Modals

Rules & Usage

• Can → Present tense / Ability (योग्यता)
• Could → Past tense / Ability (बीते समय की योग्यता)
• May → Permission (आज्ञा) / Wish (इच्छा) / Possibility (संभावना) / दुआ
• Might → May का past / Possibility (संभावना)
• Must → Compulsion (अनिवार्यता) / Duty (कर्तव्य) / Strong rule
• Ought to → Moral duty (नैतिक जिम्मेदारी)
• Should → Duty (कर्तव्य) / Advice (सलाह)
• Would → Past habits / Imaginary situation

Exercise – Correct Answers Underlined

1. My brother is very strong. He can lift 80 kg of weight. (may/can/ought to)
2. We must go to school in time. (can/must/may)
3. Your father is seriously ill. You must go home. (should/must/ought to)
4. We must follow the traffic rules. (must/should/might)
5. May you live long! (can/might/may)
6. We ought to serve our nation. (should/may/ought)
7. May I come in the classroom, Sir? (can/may/need)
8. The box is very light. I can lift it. (can/could)
9. We must obey the rules of road. (should/must/ought)
10. This is very light box, you can lift it. (can/could)
11. The student said, “Sir, may I drink some water?" (can/may/might)
12. We must do our duty. (should/must/ought to)
13. When I was young, I could climb trees. (can/could)
14. We should wear mask in crowded places. (should/ought)
15. I would buy that mobile if I had money. (will/would/would have)
16. She would go to temple every day when she lived in village. (will/would/could)
17. You may sit here. (dare/may/should)