The Ultimate Guide to Modals in CBSE Class 10 English – Comprehensive Notes with Examples

The Ultimate Guide to Modals in CBSE Class 10 English – Comprehensive Notes with Examples

Modals

What are Modals?

Modal auxiliaries are helping verbs used to indicate modality—such as likelihood, ability, permission, certainty, and obligation. They support the main verb by providing additional meaning about tense, mood, or voice. On their own, modals have limited meaning and rely on the main verb for context.

Characteristics of Modals

  • In affirmative sentences, the modal auxiliary is placed between the subject and the main verb.
  • In negative sentences, the modal auxiliary is placed between the subject and the negative adverb.

Rules of Modals

  • They do not agree in number with the subject, except for ‘need’ and ‘dare’.
  • Except for ‘ought’, ‘need’, and ‘dare’, modal auxiliaries are followed by the infinitive form of the verb without ‘to’.
  • They have no non-finite forms like -ing, -ed, or -en.
  • They do not represent all tense forms.

Types of Modals

  • Single Concept Modals – Modals with one meaning
  • Double Concept Modals – Modals with two meanings
  • Past Modals – Express actions or situations in the past

Examples of Usage

Example
She needs to listen.
Do you dare to dream?
I can help.
Rishab ought to study.

Types of Modals Table

Single Concept Modals Double Concept Modals Past Modals
WillMayWould have
MightMustCould have
ShouldWouldMight have
Ought toShallShould have
Had betterCanMay have
CouldMust have

Modal Usage Examples

Modal Meaning Usage
Could Past ability Tushar could eat 10 rotis at a time.
Could Present probability (uncertain) It could move if we all pushed hard.
Can Present ability Gavin can help you with your homework.
Can Permission Can I try one of these?

Past Modals & Their Meanings

Modal Meaning Usage
Must have Assumption He must have forgotten about us.
May / Might have Guessing / Speculation Raj may have bought these oranges.
Could have Possibility (unrealized) Yash could have apprised us of the matter.
Would have Possibility The guests would have left.
Should have / Ought to have Ideal but hypothetical situation He ought to have helped you.