A Modal verb is used to indicate modality ( that expresses a speakers general intention ) i.e, likelihood, ability, permission , request , capacity, suggestions, order , obligation , advice etc.

We use modals to show if we believe something is certain probable or possible.

Modals do not change with the person or number of the subject

1. When I was a child, I _________ climb trees easily but now I can’t. (ability in the past) Ans: could

2. I _________ win this singing contest. (determination) Ans: will

3. You _________ buy this book. It is worth buying. (advice or suggestion) Ans: should

4. Poongothai _________ speak several languages. (ability in the present) Ans: can

5. I swear I _________ tell lies again. (promise) Ans: will not

6. My father _________ play badminton in the evenings when he was at college. (past habit) Ans: used to

7. You _________ do as I say! (command) Ans: should/must

8. _________ I have another glass of water? (request) Ans: May / can

9. Sibi has not practised hard but he _________ win the race. (possibility) Ans: may/can

10. We _________ preserve our natural resources. (duty) Ans: should/ought to

1. Would I have your autograph?

May I have your autograph?

2. I can be fifteen next April.

I will be fifteen next April.

3. Take an umbrella. It should rain later.

Take an Umbrella. It may rain later.

4. The magistrate ordered that he might pay the fine.

The magistrate ordered that he must pay the fine.

5. Make me a cup of tea, shall you?

Make me a cup of tea, will you?

6. You may speak politely to the elders.

You should/ought to speak politely to the elders.

7. You will get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

You should/ought to get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.

8. We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.

We used to grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.

9. Must I get your jacket? The weather is cold.

May/Can I get your jacket? The weather is cold.

10. Could the train be on time?

Will the train be on time?

Dad : Shall we go out for dinner tonight?

Charan : Yes, Dad. We shall go to a restaurant where I can have some ice cream.

Dad : OK. Then, I will be home by 7 p.m. Mom and you should be ready by then.

Charan : Sure. We will. My friend told me that there is a magic show nearby. Will you please take

us there?

Dad : We will not have time to go for the magic show, I suppose. If we have enough time left,

we will/may plan.

Charan : By the way, should we inform our gate keeper about our outing?

Dad : Yes, we should so that he will be aware we aren’t at home.

Charan : Shall I call up Mom and tell her about our plan today?

Dad : You ought to. Otherwise, we might be in trouble when she returns home.

Charan : Hmm… by the time you come home in the evening, we will be waiting for you. Hope you

won’t be late. Bye.

Imagine you have been to Thanjavur recently. Based on your experience and the

data given below about Thanjavur, suggest and guide your friend who wishes to visit

Thanjavur and places nearby, using modals in your sentences.