Beehive · Prose · NCERT Class 9

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are small helping verbs that change a sentence’s meaning — they show ability, permission, possibility, necessity or advice. This skill page pairs with the Beehive prose lesson ‘Reach for the Top’, but every example here is original. Meet can, could, may, might, must, should and would, and learn the one rule that ties them all together. Tap each modal to see how it works.

👥 3 topics⏱ ~25 min📝 12-question quiz

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The modal verbs

Each modal carries its own shade of meaning. Tap a modal below to see what it shows, with a short, original example.

Explore · Common modalstap a modal

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The three big ideas

Can — shows present ability or informal permission. Example: She can solve hard puzzles. / You can sit here.
Could — shows past ability or a polite request. Example: As a child he could climb any tree. / Could you pass me the chalk?
May — shows formal permission. Example: You may come in. / May I borrow your pen?
Can vs may — can is the everyday word for being allowed; may sounds more formal and polite.

May — shows a real possibility; something is fairly likely. Example: We may visit the museum on Sunday.
Might — shows a smaller, less certain possibility. Example: The bus might be late today.
Stronger vs weaker — may suggests a better chance; might suggests a slimmer one. It may rain sounds more likely than It might rain.
Tip — both are still uncertain. Use them when you are guessing, not stating a fact.

Must — shows necessity, a strong rule, or strong certainty. Example: Students must bring their ID cards.
Should — gives advice or a recommendation. Example: You should drink more water.
Would — used for polite or hypothetical actions. Example: I would travel the world if I had the money.
Must vs should — must leaves no choice; should only recommends.

Worked example. Choose the right modal: You ___ wear a seatbelt (necessity).

Step 1 — read the clue. The hint says necessity — a rule you cannot ignore, not just advice.

Step 2 — match the modal. The modal for necessity or a strong rule is must (not should, which would only advise).

Step 3 — keep the base verb. After must use the base verb: You must wear a seatbelt.

Common mistake: a modal is always followed by the base verb — no -s and no ‘to’. ‘She can swims’ and ‘must to go’ are both wrong. Fix them to ‘She can swim’ and ‘must go’.

Where you'll use it

Modal verbs, at work

Making polite requests

When you ask for something, soft modals make you sound courteous instead of bossy. ‘Could you help me carry this?’ or ‘Would you mind closing the door?’ is far gentler than a plain order. ‘May I use your phone?’ politely asks permission. The same request, made with can/could/may/would, opens doors.

Giving advice & rules

Notices and guidance lean on modals to set their tone. Must states a rule that cannot be broken — ‘Visitors must sign in at the gate.’ Should offers friendly advice — ‘You should arrive ten minutes early.’ Reading the modal tells you instantly whether something is compulsory or merely recommended.