Grammar
A. Complete these sentences using appropriate modals. The clues in the brackets will help you.
1. When I was a child, I ………. climb trees easily but now I can’t. (ability in the past)
2. I ………… win this singing contest. (determination)
3. You …………. buy this book. It is worth buying. (advice or suggestion)
4. Poongothai ………….. speak several languages. (ability in the present)
5. I swear I …………. tell lies again. (promise)
6. My father ………… play badminton in the evenings when he was at college. (past habit)
7. You ……………. do as I say! (command)
8. ………… I have another glass of water? (request)
9. Sibi has not practised hard but he ……………. win the race. (possibility)
10. We …………… preserve our natural resources. (duty)
Answers:
- could
- can
- should
- can
- shall not
- used to
- should
- May
- can
- ought to
B. Rewrite the following sentences by rectifying the errors in the use of models.
Question 1.
Would I have your autograph?
Answer:
May l have your autograph?
Question 2.
I can be fifteen next April.
Answer:
I shall be fifteen next April.
Question 3.
Take an umbrella. It should rain later.
Answer:
Take an umbrella. It may rain later.
Question 4.
The magistrate ordered that he might pay the fine.
Answer:
The magistrate ordered that he must pay the fine.
Question 5.
Make me a cup of tea, shall you?
Answer:
Make me a cup of tea, will you?
Question 6.
You may speak politely to the elders.
Answer:
You must / ought to speak politely to the elders.
Question 7.
You will get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
Answer:
You should get your teeth cleaned at least once a year.
Question 8.
We could grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
Answer:
We used to grow vegetables in our kitchen garden but we don’t do it now.
Question 9.
Must I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
Answer:
Shall I get your jacket? The weather is cold.
Question 10.
Could the train be on time?
Answer:
Will the train be on time?
C. Read the dialogue and fill in the blanks with suitable modals.
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 shall be home by 7 p.m. Mom and you must be ready by then.
Charan : Sure. We shall. My friend told me that there is a magic show nearby. Will you please take us there?
Dad : We may not have time to go for the magic show, I suppose. If we have enough time left, we shall plan.
Charan : By the way, must we inform our gate keeper about our outing?
Dad : Yes, we must 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 have 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.
D. Read the following dialogues and supply appropriate modals.
Student : Can we leave our bags in the class during the break?
Teacher : Yes, you may but arrange them neatly.
Passenger : My child is 6 years old. Do I have to buy him a ticket?
Conductor : Yes, you must. It costs half of the price of an adult ticket.
Vani : Can we go for coffee after the meeting?
Yoga : No, I shan’t. I have to go home.
Salesman : When will I receive my order?
Customer : I shall assure you sir, the order will be delivered tomorrow.
Neela : Do you think I should write about my education background in the resume?
Preethi : Yes, you must. You may get a better job.
E. Here are a few sentences already done for you. The clues given would be helpful to \ make more sentences on your own.
- I would suggest that you take the Uzhavan Express to Thanjavur from Chennai.
- You will be more comfortable if you could book 3 tier A/C.
- You could enjoy the trip.
- You should visit the temples,
- You mustn’t miss visiting the Big Temple.
- You can buy many artistic things.
- You must see the Saraswathi Mahal and its library.
- A big palace can be seen in Thanjavur.
- We shall buy Dancing Dolls.
- Thiruvaiyaru, Kallanai Dam and Poondi Church can be visited from Thanjavur.
