Modals

(c) must — “Must” expresses the strongest obligation/compulsion. “Should” is advice, “can” is ability, “might” is weak possibility.

False — Modals do NOT change their form with the subject. We say “he can”, NOT “he cans”. Modals are the same for all subjects (I/he/she/we/they).

(c) possibility — “Could rain” indicates that rain is possible during monsoon. It does not express ability or permission here.

must — “Must not” is used for strong prohibition (something strictly forbidden). “You must not litter on the streets.”

(a) could — “Could” is the past form of “can”. “Would” is past of “will”; “might” is past of “may”; “should” is past of “shall”.

Base form (V1) — A modal is always followed by the base form of the verb. Example: “She can swim” (not “swims” or “swimming”).

(a) The Delhi Metro may be crowded during rush hour. (1 mark)
(b) Sachin could hit sixes effortlessly in his prime. (1 mark)

(a) She must complete her Aadhaar verification by Friday. — Modals are never followed by “to”; they take the base form directly. (Exception: “ought to”) (1 mark)
(b) Can I borrow your notebook? OR Am I able to borrow your notebook? — “Can” itself means “be able to”, so “can able to” is redundant. (1 mark)

(a) Passengers must fasten their seatbelts during take-off. — Compulsion/Obligation (safety rule). (1 mark)
(b) Could / Would you please pass me the salt? — Polite request. (1 mark)

“You must see a doctor” = strong necessity/compulsion. The situation is serious and seeing a doctor is essential. (1 mark)
“You should see a doctor” = advice/suggestion. It is recommended but not compulsory. (1 mark)
“Must” is stronger because it leaves no choice, while “should” gives a recommendation that can be followed or ignored.

“Need not”: “You need not bring your textbook tomorrow.” — It means there is no necessity (it is not required, but you can if you want). (1 mark)
“Must not”: “You must not bring your mobile phone to the exam hall.” — It means prohibition (it is strictly forbidden, you are not allowed). (1 mark)
“Need not” = no requirement. “Must not” = forbidden.

(a) You must / should take this medicine three times a day. — Obligation/Strong advice (1 mark)
(b) You should / must also drink plenty of water. — Advice/Recommendation (1 mark)
(c) You must not / should not eat spicy food for a week. — Prohibition/Warning (1 mark)
(Accept “must” or “should” with correct function explanation)

(a) May (formal permission): “May I leave school early today, sir?” (1 mark)
(b) Should (advice): “You should study regularly for your exams.” (1 mark)
(c) Might / May (possibility): “The temperature in Rajasthan might cross 45°C in May.” (1 mark)

Sample rules for an Indian railway station waiting room:
1. Passengers must keep a valid ticket with them at all times.
2. You should keep the waiting room clean.
3. Smoking may not be done inside the waiting area.
4. You can use the charging points provided near the seats.
5. Passengers ought to take care of their luggage.
6. You need not pay extra for using the washroom facilities.
(½ mark per correct rule with different modal, minimum 6 required for full marks)

“Shall” is traditionally used with first person (I/We): (1 mark)
“I shall complete the work by evening.” (simple future)
“Shall I carry your bag?” (offer/suggestion)
“Will” is used with second/third person (you/he/she/they), and also with first person in modern English: (1 mark)
“He will come to the party.” (simple future)
“I will never forget your kindness.” (strong determination)
Special usage: When “shall” is used with second/third person, it expresses promise/command: “You shall be rewarded.” When “will” is used with first person, it shows willingness/determination. (1 mark)

(a) Modals and functions: must (1st sentence) — obligation; should — advice; can — ability; may — permission; must not — prohibition; would — willingness/wish; shall — instruction/direction. (2 marks)
(b) Replace “must” with “should”: “All students should wear the complete school uniform.” The meaning changes from a strict compulsion (no choice) to advice/recommendation (expected but not forced). (1 mark)
(c) “Can play” refers to ability (the student has the skill to play). “May audition” gives permission (the school allows them to try out). Having ability (can) does not automatically mean having permission (may). (1 mark)
(d) “You ought not to use mobile phones on campus.” (1 mark)

Sample sentences (½ mark each):
(i) My sister can speak three languages. (ability)
(ii) May I enter the staffroom? (permission)
(iii) Students must not copy during exams. (prohibition)
(iv) You should eat more fruits and vegetables. (advice)
(v) Could you lend me your pen, please? (polite request)
(vi) Would you like some more chai? (polite offer)
(vii) It might snow in Manali this December. (weak possibility)
(viii) I shall return your book by Monday. (promise)
(ix) We ought to respect our elders. (moral duty)
(x) You need not bring lunch tomorrow; the school will provide it. (absence of necessity)

The teacher corrects the student because, in formal/traditional grammar, “can” means ability (“Are you physically able to go?”) while “may” means permission (“Are you allowed to go?”). So “May I go?” is the formally correct way to ask permission. (1 mark)
However, in modern everyday English, “Can I go?” is widely accepted and commonly used to ask for permission. It is NOT grammatically wrong — language evolves, and “can” is now accepted for both ability and informal permission. The teacher’s correction is about formal usage and politeness, not about the sentence being incorrect. In exams, it is safer to use “may” for permission. (1 mark)