Class 12 English Grammar Unit 2 Modal Verbs Exercise

Unit 2 Grammar Modal verbs PDF

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that may be used to indicate whether or not something is required or possible in English. Can, could, might, must, need, ought to, shall, will, should, and would are all examples of modal verbs in English.

Examples of Modal Verbs

1. Can  

2. Could

3. May

4. Might

5. Must

6. Need not

7. Ought to

8. Shall

9. Will

10. Should

11.Would

Application of Modal Verbs

Different modal verbs are used in different contexts. At least when it comes to the use of the words "should," "could," and "could," there is little difference. They have somewhat distinct meanings, but switching them around wouldn't matter much.

Things with power or authority to act are indicated by the word "can." While "may" is similar to "can," but it has a stronger sense of freedom than "can". When someone says, "You may eat chocolate," they're implying more than just capacity; they're also granting you permission to eat the chocolate. The word "may" is more strongly suggestive of permission than the common "can" used by many English speakers.

The word "may" combines elements of "can" and "could" or "would." Assume that something is not required to occur, but is still possible.

The word "must" indicates an obligatory action. In a negative sense, it implies "don't have to," which is a complete reversal.

"I have to go" = "I must eat."

The expressions "I don't have to go" and "I must not go" have different meanings.

Historically, the original subjunctive moods of will/want and ability were would and could, respectively.

Simple logical trick-

Use should - when 80% Chances are there

Use Might - when 50% chances are there

Use would - for conditional statements

Use must - used for present and future reference to express obligation, give orders and give advice.

Use could - when there is a option

A. Study the given sentences carefully.

 a. Please read this letter for me. I can't see without my glasses. 

 b. After working for a couple of years in China, I can speak Chinese now. 

 c. When he was 40, he could earn a six digit salary. 

 d. After six hours' climbing, we were able to reach the summit. 

 e. Yesterday, I lost my keys. I looked for them everywhere but I couldn't find. 

B. Choose the best answer to complete the sentences. 

 a. 'How much was your parking ticket?' 'Fifty rupees.' 'Oh well, it could have  been worse.' 

i. could have   ii. must have   iii. should have 

b. It might have gotten lost in the post. These things happen sometimes. 

i. can't have   ii. might have    iii. must have 

c. 'Sorry I'm late. I got delayed at work.' 

'You could have called. I was really worried about you.' 

i. must have   ii. could have    iii. would have 

d. 'I don't think he meant to be rude.' 'He must have said sorry.' 

i. must have   ii. might have    iii. would have 

e. 'Whose signature is this?' 'I don't know. It should be Manoj's. That looks a bit like an M.' 

i. must     ii. could     iii. should 

f. I had it when I left the office so I must have lost it on the way home. 

i. mustn't have   ii. must have   iii. should have 

g. You might think it's funny, but I think it's pathetic. 

i. might   ii. should    iii. could 

C. Complete the following sentences with appropriate endings. Use correct modal verbs. 

Example: 

She could be a doctor; however,…………….…………… . 

She could be a doctor; however, she preferred to be an advocate. 

a. At the end of the course, students must submit their assignments.

b. If you want to earn a lot of money, you should work hard for smarter things.

c. You were not in your house yesterday. You must have been with your friends for the movie.

d. I'm quite busy tomorrow. I could not join you on the morning walk.

e. When you were a small kid, you must have been notorious.

f. My car is broken. I might buy a new one.

g. I've got a fast speed internet at home. I should not misuse it for unnecessary things.

 h. Even though she didn't study well, she might have passed the exam.

i. There are plenty of newspapers in the library. You can pick one if you want. 

 j. What do you think you were doing, playing in the road? You could be harmed by accident.

k. I have no time. I could not waste more time anymore.

l. You don't look well. You must be depressed,