Essential Modals Explained for CBSE Class 9 Exams 2025-26
Today we will study an exciting topic “Modals”. Modal verbs are a special kind of helping verbs they are used to help the main verb to express the mood of the subject and at the same time indicate the possibility, persuasion, and willingness.
Modal verbs can sometimes be misleading as they express a completely different view especially when it comes to using them in a sentence. Fortunately, modal verbs are pretty simple when they are put to use.
Grammar
Modal Auxiliary Verbs
They are also called semi-modal auxiliary verbs, central modal auxiliary verbs, pure modal auxiliary verbs, coloured auxiliary, and pure modals. They are used with the main verbs to express ideas such as permission, obligation, prohibition, suggestions, possibility, intentions, ability, etc.
Modal auxiliary verbs are: shall, will, can, may, should, would, could, might, must, and had better.
For example, Can you drive a car?(ability)
Rekha said that she might visit her. (possibility)
You must attend this seminar. (obligation).
Semi-Modal Auxiliary Verbs
Semi-modal auxiliary verbs or semi-modal also known as Marginal modal verbs are verbs that behave partially like the main verb and partly like an auxiliary verb.
Semi-modal auxiliary verb: dare, need, used to, ought to, have to.
For example,
I dare not cross the line of upsetting my mother.
You need not enquire about this.
I used to wake up early when I was in college.
We ought to exercise every day.
The Modal Verbs
Modal Verbs
1. Can
“Can” is used to denote the ability of the noun/ pronoun to perform an action or to request permission to act.
Examples:
I can dance.
Can I dance?
Sonu can swim.
Sheela can paint.
Raju can drive cars.
2. Could
“Could” is used to denote the ability of the subject to perform an action or an offer made by the subject to do an action.
Examples:
He could dance.
She could solve her problems.
He could decipher the sentence.
We could live without care when we were younger.
They could enter without any issue.
3. May
“May” is usually used in sentences to denote the probability or possibility of an action taking place or to request permission to do something.
Examples:
May I come in?
He may like the color.
She may attend the party.
The dog may like the toy.
She may come in today.
4. Might
“Might” is commonly used to denote the probability of an action taking place or to suggest possibilities.
Examples:
She might like the presentation.
He might like the shirt.
She might not like the colour.
He might like drawing over painting.
The teacher might conduct a test.
5. Will
The word "will" is a highly popular and straightforward method to describe what you expect or plan to happen in the future.
Examples:
She will attend the party.
He will participate in the competition.
They will attend the party.
Raju will swim.
Sheela will dance at the party.
6. Would
“Would” is commonly used to show politeness while requesting or asking if an action can be done by the noun/pronoun.
Examples:
He would love to attend the party.
She would love to honour the gathering.
The teacher would love to interact with the student.
The priest would love to address the gathering.
He would love the attend the exhibition.
7. Shall
A modal verb used to suggest future action is "shall." It frequently appears in proposals like "Shall we go?" and is most frequently employed in phrases that begin with "I" or "we." As a verb, "shall" is typically used to denote commitments or voluntary actions.
Examples:
We shall attend the gathering.
Shall I use your notebook?
Shall I finalise this?
You shall let me know if you need anything.
He shall dance.
8. Should
The modal verb "should" is frequently employed to offer suggestions or counsel. It can be used to convey both obligation and expectation.
Examples:
You should respect your elders.
Should I send it out?
He should prefer this over that.
She should pay more attention.
You should pick one.
9. Must
“Must” is used to denote the necessity of an action to be done by the subject.
Examples:
You must keep your surroundings clean.
He must list down the options.
She must choose one.
He must address the listeners.
You must plant trees.
10. Ought
“Ought” is used to denote the obligation of the subject to perform a particular action.
Examples:
He ought to pay the fine.
She ought to respect her teacher.
He ought to behave well.
We ought to salute the warriors.
We ought to honor the soldiers.
Difficult Words with Meanings
Practice Questions
Fill in the blanks
I ___ run fast to catch the train.
I ___ bring milk on my way home.
He ___ faces a lot of problems getting this approved.
She ___ be at school on time.
He ___ does what makes him happy.
___ I get you a glass of water?
He ___ takes part in the occasion.
We ___take care of our surroundings.
Answer
I should run fast to catch the train.
I can bring milk on my way home.
He might face a lot of problems to get this approved.
She should be at school on time.
He must do what makes him happy.
Can I get you a glass of water?
He will take part in the occasion.
We must take care of our surroundings.
Benefits of Learning Modals for Class 9
It is very important to know the use of modals in English grammar as these verbs are widely used in the English language.
Modal verbs are used in a sentence to create nuances of expression.
Some of the modal verbs are the verbs that are used to express politeness while proposing a suggestion or asking a question.
Examples of Modals Class 9
I can play the flute.
She must come to tomorrow’s class.
You should not skip school.
The train might get delayed because of the heavy rainfall.
Facts About Modals Class 9
Use of Modals in English Grammar
Modal: Can
Modal: Must
Modal: Might
Modals: Could
Modals: Will
Modals: Would
Modals: Shall
Modals: May not
Modals: Ought to
Modals: Need to
Important Topics of Class 9 English Grammar Modals
In this chapter, you will learn:
What are modals in English grammar?
Use of modals in English grammar
Practising modals exercises for Class 9 CBSE with answers
Conclusion
English has many modal verbs, and you've probably encountered them hundreds of times without realising what they are called. Modals are unique verbs that differ from regular verbs in several ways. The modal verbs are employed to communicate capacity, potential, authorization, or duty. One or more of these modalities can be expressed using any of the modal verbs. They can also be used to create conditional sentences and the English future tense. They are never used alone; a primary verb is always used after them. They offer further specifics regarding the main verb. They can be used to convey confidence, potential, readiness, duty, obligation, necessity, and aptitude.
The Free PDF is best for taking modal notes for Class 9 students. All modal verbs and their usage are briefly introduced in the PDF with many examples. The modals exercises for Class 9 in the PDF will be very helpful for your kids to practice the chapter after reading the explanations. You can use this PDF as the worksheet on modals for Class 9 and make their learning more fun-filling and easy.
Our main goal is to provide as many free study resources to the school students as possible. All our study materials are based solely on NCERT textbooks, and we try to cover all the chapters. You can also get the NCERT book links from our website.
FAQs on Mastering Modals in Class 9 English Grammar (2025-26)
1. What are modals, and which ones are most important for the CBSE Class 9 English exam 2025-26?
Modals, or modal auxiliary verbs, are helping verbs used to express functions like ability, permission, possibility, or obligation. For the CBSE Class 9 English syllabus (2025-26), the most frequently asked modals are can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would, and must. Students should focus on understanding their specific uses in different contexts to answer exam questions correctly.
2. What type of questions on modals can be expected in the Class 9 English grammar section?
In the Class 9 English exam, questions on modals are typically framed to test your contextual understanding. You can expect them in formats like:
- Gap-filling exercises: Choosing the most appropriate modal to complete a sentence.
- Dialogue completion: Filling in a conversation with suitable modals to reflect the correct tone (e.g., request, advice).
- Sentence editing/omission: Identifying and correcting errors related to the use of modals.
3. How can I differentiate between 'should', 'must', and 'ought to' in the exam?
Understanding the subtle differences is crucial for exam accuracy.
- Should: Used for giving advice or a suggestion. It is a recommendation, not a command (e.g., "You should study regularly.").
- Must: Expresses strong obligation, necessity, or compulsion, often from the speaker's perspective (e.g., "You must submit your project by tomorrow.").
- Ought to: Indicates a moral duty or a correct action. It is very similar to 'should' but often implies a stronger sense of moral obligation (e.g., "We ought to respect our elders.").
4. What is the most common mistake students make in modal verb questions and how can it be avoided?
The most common mistake is failing to understand the context and tone of the sentence. For example, using 'can' for a formal request when 'may' or 'could' would be more appropriate. To avoid this, always read the entire sentence or dialogue carefully and ask yourself: Is this a request, an order, a suggestion, or a possibility? Matching the modal to the specific function required by the context is the best way to avoid errors.
5. How do 'can' and 'could' differ when asking for permission?
'Can' and 'could' are both used to ask for permission, but they convey different levels of politeness, which is an important aspect tested in exams.
- Can: Used in informal situations, usually with friends or family (e.g., "Can I borrow your pen?").
- Could: Used in more formal or polite situations. It is a gentler and more hesitant way of asking for permission (e.g., "Could I speak to the manager, please?").
6. Why are modals considered important for scoring well in the overall English paper?
Modals are not just a grammar topic; they are essential for effective communication. A strong grasp of modals allows you to express nuances like politeness, certainty, and urgency accurately. This skill is vital not only for the grammar section but also for writing sections like letter writing, article writing, and storytelling, where conveying the correct tone can fetch you higher marks.
7. What is an effective strategy to prepare for important questions on modals for the 2025-26 exam?
An effective strategy is to create a function-based chart. List the main functions (e.g., Ability, Possibility, Advice, Obligation) and write down which modals can be used for each, along with an example sentence. For instance, for 'Possibility', you would list 'may', 'might', and 'could'. Regularly practising CBSE-style gap-filling exercises with this chart as a reference will help you master the topic for the exam.
