Master Modal Auxiliary Verbs: Functions & Exercises

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Master Modal Auxiliary Verbs in 10 Minutes (SSC/HSC Board Pattern)


In the Class 10/12 English Board Exam, modal auxiliary verbs are a sure-shot topic in the Grammar Section (Class 12 - Q.1 B1 or A5). The question is usually asked as "Rewrite the sentence using a modal auxiliary showing [function]."

To score full marks, you don't need to memorise complex rules. You just need to know which verb matches which function. This is simplified here into a single table for you to memorise.


The Ultimate Modal Verbs Cheat Sheet

Here is the list of modal verbs and their specific functions. Study this table carefully.



Modal Verb Function / Usage Keyword in Question
Can Ability / Capacity able to / capable of
Could Past Ability / Polite Request was able to / Please...
Should Advice / Suggestion advise/suggest
Must Compulsion / Obligation necessary/compulsory / have to
May / Might Possibility / Probability possible/likely / perhaps
Used to / Would Habitual Action in the Past habit / used to
Will / Shall Certainty / Future Action sure / certain / going to
Ought to Moral Obligation moral duty / right thing to do

3. Solved Board Exam Questions

Here is how the questions appear in the exam and how to solve them.


Q1. It is necessary for students to wear uniforms.
(Rewrite using a modal auxiliary showing 'Compulsion')

Ans: Students must wear uniforms.
(Tip: Removed 'It is necessary for' ........Added 'Must')

Q2. My grandmother was in the habit of telling stories.
(Rewrite using a modal auxiliary showing 'Past Habit')

Ans: My grandmother used to (or would) tell stories.
(Tip: Removed 'was in the habit of'     

Added 'used to')

Q3. It is possible that it will rain today.
(Rewrite using a modal auxiliary showing 'Possibility')

Ans: It may rain today.

Q4. I advise you to study hard.
(Rewrite using a modal auxiliary showing 'Advice')

Ans: You should study hard.


4. Practice Exercise (Test Yourself)

Try to solve these 10 sentences based on the patterns above.

  1. I am able to lift this box. (Rewrite using Can)
  2. It is compulsory to follow traffic rules. (Rewrite using Must)
  3. Perhaps he is at home. (Rewrite using Might)
  4. He was in the habit of waking up early. (Rewrite using Used to)
  5. It is your moral duty to respect elders. (Rewrite using Ought to)
  6. Please give me a glass of water. (Rewrite using Could to make a request)
  7. We are sure to win the match. (Rewrite using Will)
  8. It is not necessary for you to go there. (Rewrite using Need not)
  9. He has the ability to speak three languages. (Rewrite using Can)
  10. I suggest that you take a break. (Rewrite using Should)


Answer Key


  1. I can lift this box.
  2. You must follow traffic rules.
  3. He might be at home.
  4. He used to wake up early.
  5. You ought to respect elders. 
  6. Could you give me a glass of water? 
  7. We will win the match. 
  8. You need not go there. 
  9. He can speak three languages. 
  10. You should take a break.
Grammar is the easiest section to score full marks in. By mastering this table, you ensure that you don't lose marks in the "Do as Directed" section. Keep practising!


 If you found this helpful, share this post with your classmates!



Location: Maharashtra, India

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