Leading Streak Today
Your Streak Today
Leading Streak Today
Your Streak Today
"He may be here at any moment." - 'May' is a modal verb.
Grammar 49 - Modals - Expressing Attitudes
In our day-to-day lives, we come across many situations and we need a variety of words to describe them. Since the main verb cannot describe certain aspects modals are used. This is the first of five High English grammar quizzes looking at modal verbs and it focusses in particular on modals that express attitudes.
Modal verbs, or simply modals, are helping verbs that support the function of a main verb. In a sentence, the modals cannot stand by themselves and always appear with a main verb. There are only a few modals that are used as helping verbs so it will be easy for you to familiarise yourself with them. Here is a list of the modals you will come across:
1 .
Choose the sentence that is a correct modal representation.
Roger Federer may win the Wimbledon title this year.
Andy Murray may not win the Wimbledon title this year.
John McEnroe dare not threaten the umpire.
All of the above are correct.
While options 1 and 2 are pure modals describing a possibility, option 3 is a sentence where 'dare' is a modal. Note that 'dare' is a main verb as well
2 .
"May I leave the office early?"
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Seeking permission.
Expressing ability
Offering assistance.
Giving advice.
It is obvious that the speaker is seeking permission
3 .
"'You must go to your room and study,' roared the mother."
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Expressing ability.
Expressing necessity.
Expressing possibility.
Giving advice.
The word 'roared' makes it clear the mother says it is necessary for her son/daughter to study. If the phrase were said more gently then the mother might have been advising her child to study, rather than insisting upon it
4 .
"Could I come to the birthday party with you?"
"Yes, you may."
Choose the functions described by the modals in these sentences.
"Yes, you may."
Choose the functions described by the modals in these sentences.
Making a request - giving permission.
Making a request - giving advice.
Giving advice - seeking permission.
Offering assistance - expressing ability.
In the context of the two sentences, the first modal is in the form of a request and the second modal is in the nature of permission being granted
5 .
"The curry is bland. Would you please pass some salt?"
"You should not take any salt."
Choose the functions described by the modals in these sentences.
"You should not take any salt."
Choose the functions described by the modals in these sentences.
Expressing necessity - giving advice.
Making a request - expressing possibility.
Making a request - giving advice.
Seeking permission - expressing ability.
The sequence shows a request is made and some advice is rendered
6 .
Choose the sentence that is a correct modal representation.
Manav need not go to the school to pick up his son.
Manav mays go to the school to pick up his son.
Manav may goes to the school to pick up his son.
All three are incorrect modal representations.
Just like 'dare', 'need' is another modal that is a main verb also
7 .
"The plumber was supposed to be here at 7 PM so he may come any moment now."
Identify the modal and the main verb in the sentence.
Identify the modal and the main verb in the sentence.
May, to be.
May, was.
May, come.
Supposed, come.
Remember in a sentence with modals, the main verb in its bare infinitive form (come) follows a modal (may)
8 .
"She may visit her grandmother on the way to her office."
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Seeking permission.
Expressing possibility.
Giving advice.
Expressing ability.
The use of 'may' suggests a possibility. Note that it may be possible that she may not visit her grandmother also. However, the likelihood of visiting the grandmother is more because of the use of 'may.' If the sentence were to read 'She may not visit her grandmother on the way to her office' then the likelihood of not visiting is more because of the use of 'may not'
9 .
"Simran has sprained her ankle, but still she can walk."
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Choose the function described by the modal in the sentence.
Expressing necessity.
Expressing possibility.
Seeking permission.
Expressing ability.
The modal is indicating that, despite the sprained ankle, Simran is able to walk - showing her ability to do so
10 .
Choose the sentence that is NOT a correct modal representation.
He must wear his seat belt while driving.
He musts wear his seat belt while driving.
He must weared his seat belt while driving.
Both options 2 and 3 above are not correct representations, but option 1 is.
Remember that the modal (must) is followed by the main verb (wear) in its bare infinitive form. Remember also that modals don't change form while using third person. Option 1 is a correct modal representation
**Unlimited Quizzes Await You! 🚀**
Hey there, quiz champ! 🌟 You've already tackled today's free questions.
Ready for more?
Ready for more?
🔓 Unlock UNLIMITED Quizzes and challenge yourself every day. But that's
not all...
not all...
🔥 As a Subscriber you can join our thrilling "Daily Streak" against other
quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.
quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.
Don't miss out! Join us now and keep the fun rolling. 🎉
**Unlimited Quizzes Await You! 🚀**
Hey there, quiz champ! 🌟 You've already tackled today's free questions. Ready for more?
🔓 Unlock UNLIMITED Quizzes and challenge yourself every day. But that's not all...
🔥 As a Subscriber you can join our thrilling "Daily Streak" against other quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.
Don't miss out! Join us now and keep the fun rolling. 🎉
Here To Help
Our Social Circles
© Copyright 2016-2025 - Education Quizzes
Work Innovate Ltd - Design | Development |
Marketing
