English grammar · Class 9
Modals: can, could, may, might, must, should, have to
Modal verbs add meaning to a main verb: whether something is possible, allowed, necessary or a good idea. A modal never takes -s, and the verb after it is in the base form.
In the CBSE Class 9 and 10 English Language and Literature grammar list for 2026-27.
The rules
1. Ability: can (now), could (past).
- She can speak three languages.
- I could ride a bicycle when I was six.
2. Permission: can (everyday), may (polite / formal), could (polite request).
- Can I borrow your pen?
- May I come in, sir?
- Could you open the door, please?
3. Possibility: may, might, could (might is a little less sure).
- It may rain this evening.
- He might be at the library.
4. Obligation and necessity: must (the speaker's own rule or a strong need), have to / has to (a rule from outside); mustn't = not allowed; don't have to = not necessary.
- I must finish this today.
- Students have to wear a uniform.
- You mustn't use a phone in the exam hall.
- You don't have to bring lunch tomorrow.
5. Advice: should / ought to.
- You should drink more water.
- We ought to respect our elders.
Common mistakes
She cans dance.
She can dance.
Modals never take -s.
You must to wear a helmet.
You must wear a helmet.
No 'to' after must (but: have to).
You mustn't come tomorrow; it's a holiday.
You don't have to come tomorrow; it's a holiday.
Not necessary = don't have to; mustn't means it is not allowed.
Practice
1. When I was five, I ___ read simple stories.
2. ___ I use your phone, please? (polite, to a teacher)
3. You ___ smoke in a hospital. It is against the rules.
4. Take an umbrella. It ___ rain later.
5. Tomorrow is Sunday, so we ___ get up early.
Made by Shishya (AI-assisted); every answer checked by hand when written. Topic list for Class 9 and 10 from the CBSE 2026-27 English syllabus.