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Open in Interactive ReaderIntroduction to Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (modal auxiliaries) are helping verbs used with the main verb to express ability, permission, possibility, advice, or obligation. They do not change form for third person singular and are followed by the base form of the verb.
Modal verb भनेको मुख्य क्रिया (main verb) सँग मिलेर प्रयोग गरिने helping verb हो जसले क्षमता, अनुमति, सम्भावना, सल्लाह वा कर्तव्य जनाउँछ। Modal verbs मा subject अनुसार -s/es थपिँदैन र यसपछि सधैं verb को base form (V1) आउँछ।
Common Modal Verbs Overview
Quick reference for the primary functions of core modal verbs.
| Modal Verb | Primary Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| can | Ability / Informal Permission | I can swim. |
| could | Past Ability / Polite Request / Possibility | Could you help me? |
| may | Formal Permission / Strong Possibility | May I come in? |
| might | Weak Possibility / Small Chance | It might rain tonight. |
| should | Advice / Mild Obligation / Suggestion | You should study hard. |
| must | Strong Obligation / Necessity / Official Rule | You must wear a helmet. |
Detailed Usage with Nepali Meanings
Contextual meaning and structural application of each modal verb.
| Modal | Usage Context | Nepali Translation / Tip |
|---|---|---|
| CAN | Present ability / Informal request | म तैरन सक्छु (Ability) / तिमी जान सक्छौ (Permission) |
| COULD | Past ability / Very polite request | पाँच वर्षको हुँदा तैरिन्थेँ (Past ability) / मद्दत गर्नुहुन्छ? (Polite) |
| MAY | Formal permission / High possibility | के म भित्र आउन सक्छु? (Formal) / सायद पानी पर्ला (Possibility) |
| MIGHT | Weak possibility / Low chance | भोलि हिउँ पर्न पनि सक्छ (न्यून सम्भावना / Small chance) |
| SHOULD | Advice / Moral duty / Suggestion | तिमीले धेरै पढ्नुपर्छ (Advice) / शिक्षकको सम्मान गर्नुपर्छ (Duty) |
| MUST | Strong obligation / Mandatory rule | हेल्मेट अनिवार्य लगाउनुपर्छ (Rule) / नियम पालना गर्नैपर्छ (Necessity) |
Core Grammar Rules
Always use the base verb (V1) immediately after a modal. Never add '-s', '-ed', or '-ing' to the modal itself, and never place 'to' before the main verb (except for ought to/used to). For past obligation, replace 'must' with had to.
Correct Format
He can sing very well. (No '-s' on modal, base verb used)She should study tonight. (No 'to' before study)We had to leave early yesterday. (Past obligation uses 'had to')Incorrect Format
He cans sing very well.She should to study tonight.We musted leave early yesterday.Comparative Notes — Must vs. Have to & Others
Crucial distinctions frequently tested in NEB board examinations.
| Modal Pair | Key Difference | Example Context |
|---|---|---|
| Must vs. Have to | MUST is internal obligation (speaker's command). HAVE TO is external obligation (rules/laws). | You must stop smoking. / I have to wear a uniform at work. |
| May vs. Might | MAY denotes strong possibility. MIGHT denotes a very weak or low probability. | It may rain (dark clouds). / It might rain (clear sky but winter). |
| Mustn't vs. Don't have to | MUSTN'T means strictly forbidden. DON'T HAVE TO means it is optional/not necessary. | You mustn't steal (illegal). / You don't have to come today (optional). |
Exam Traps & Signal Clues
Watch out for past time markers and hidden prohibitions.
NEB questions often try to trick you by placing 'yesterday' or 'last week' next to an obligation blank. Students write 'must', but the correct past form is 'had to'. Similarly, look at the degree of politeness: formal scenarios require 'may' or 'could', never 'can'.
परीक्षामा धेरै झुक्काउने बुँदा भनेको भूतकालको बाध्यता (Past Obligation) हो। वाक्यमा yesterday वा ago छ भने must प्रयोग गर्न पाइँदैन, 'had to' राख्नुपर्छ। औपचारिक ठाउँमा अनुमति माग्दा 'can' को सट्टा 'may' वा 'could' रोज्नुपर्छ।
We had to submit the project yesterday. (NOT: We must submit it yesterday)
Excuse me sir, may I check my results? (NOT: can I check)
Common Board Errors & Corrections
He mights come to college tomorrow.
He might come to college tomorrow.
Could you to pass me the salt?
Could you pass me the salt?
You must to show your admit card.
You must show your admit card.
I musted attend the family function last week.
I had to attend the family function last week.
She can to speak four languages fluently.
She can speak four languages fluently.
Easy Level Practice
Easy Level
1
I .......... (can / must / might) speak English well when I practice daily. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! This expresses a general present ability, so 'can' is the correct choice.
Correct: can. This expresses a general present ability, so 'can' is the correct choice.
2
.......... (May / Must / Should) I open the window, please? (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! The word 'please' and the question format indicate a formal request for permission, which requires 'May'.
Correct: May. The word 'please' and the question format indicate a formal request for permission, which requires 'May'.
3
You .......... (might / should / may) study for the unit test if you want to pass. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! This sentence offers advice/recommendation, making 'should' the best fit.
Correct: should. This sentence offers advice/recommendation, making 'should' the best fit.
4
He cans sing very beautifully on stage. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! Modal verbs do not take an '-s' ending for third-person singular subjects. 'Cans' must be corrected to 'can'.
Correct: He can sing very beautifully on stage.. Modal verbs do not take an '-s' ending for third-person singular subjects. 'Cans' must be corrected to 'can'.
5
Smoking here is strictly forbidden. You .......... (must not) smoke in this area. (put the correct form of the verb 'must' to complete the sentence)
Correct! 'Forbidden' means it is a strict prohibition, which requires the negative form 'must not'.
Correct: must not or mustn't. 'Forbidden' means it is a strict prohibition, which requires the negative form 'must not'.
6
I .......... (can / could / may) help you with your homework right now if you want. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! The phrase 'right now' signals a present possibility/willingness, which takes 'can'.
Correct: can. The phrase 'right now' signals a present possibility/willingness, which takes 'can'.
7
She should to study hard for her final examinations. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! Modal verbs are followed directly by the bare infinitive (V1) without 'to'. Remove 'to'.
Correct: She should study hard for her final examinations.. Modal verbs are followed directly by the bare infinitive (V1) without 'to'. Remove 'to'.
8
A good student .......... (should) respect their parents and teachers. (put the correct modal verb to complete the sentence)
Correct! This states a moral duty or general advice, which is typically expressed using 'should'.
Correct: should or must. This states a moral duty or general advice, which is typically expressed using 'should'.
9
.......... (Could / Must / Might) you lend me your reference pen for a minute? (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! This is a polite request directed at someone, making 'Could' the most appropriate choice.
Correct: Could. This is a polite request directed at someone, making 'Could' the most appropriate choice.
10
May I to come in, sir? (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! The modal 'May' takes a bare infinitive. The preposition 'to' must be removed.
Correct: May I come in, sir?. The modal 'May' takes a bare infinitive. The preposition 'to' must be removed.
Medium Level Practice
Medium Level
1
She .......... (must / might / can) be at the college library now; I just saw her scooter parked outside. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! Strong evidence ('saw her scooter parked outside') points to a logical certainty, which requires 'must'.
Correct: must. Strong evidence ('saw her scooter parked outside') points to a logical certainty, which requires 'must'.
2
When I was a child, I .......... (run) very fast, but now I cannot. (put the correct modal form of 'can' to complete the sentence)
Correct! The past context ('When I was a child') means we must change the ability verb 'can' into its past form 'could'.
Correct: could. The past context ('When I was a child') means we must change the ability verb 'can' into its past form 'could'.
3
You don't must enter the laboratory without your lab coat. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! To show prohibition, the correct structure is 'must not' or 'mustn't', never 'don't must'.
Correct: You must not enter the laboratory without your lab coat. or You mustn't enter the laboratory without your lab coat.. To show prohibition, the correct structure is 'must not' or 'mustn't', never 'don't must'.
4
He said that he .......... (can / may / might) attend the meeting tomorrow, but he is not entirely sure. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! 'Not entirely sure' indicates a weak, uncertain possibility, which is best expressed by 'might'.
Correct: might. 'Not entirely sure' indicates a weak, uncertain possibility, which is best expressed by 'might'.
5
We .......... (finish) the project by Friday because the boss strictly insisted on it. (put the correct modal verb to complete the sentence)
Correct! The boss's strict insistence denotes a mandatory obligation, requiring 'must' or 'have to'.
Correct: must or have to. The boss's strict insistence denotes a mandatory obligation, requiring 'must' or 'have to'.
6
I musted go to the hospital yesterday due to a severe headache. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! 'Must' has no past tense form like 'musted'. Past necessity or obligation is always written as 'had to'.
Correct: I had to go to the hospital yesterday due to a severe headache.. 'Must' has no past tense form like 'musted'. Past necessity or obligation is always written as 'had to'.
7
Please be quiet! You .......... (mustn't / don't have to / might not) talk during the examination. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! Talking during exams is forbidden, so the negative prohibition 'mustn't' is required.
Correct: mustn't. Talking during exams is forbidden, so the negative prohibition 'mustn't' is required.
8
It is a cloudy day. It .......... (rain) later in the afternoon. (put the correct form of 'may' to express strong possibility to complete the sentence)
Correct! A cloudy day gives a strong basis for real possibility, meaning the present form 'may' completes it correctly.
Correct: may. A cloudy day gives a strong basis for real possibility, meaning the present form 'may' completes it correctly.
9
He mays come to our party if he gets free from work. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! Modal verbs never change form or take an '-s' for third-person singular. 'Mays' must be corrected to 'may'.
Correct: He may come to our party if he gets free from work.. Modal verbs never change form or take an '-s' for third-person singular. 'Mays' must be corrected to 'may'.
10
Since you are feeling extremely tired, you .......... (will / should / might) take some rest. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! This acts as a practical recommendation or advice based on a condition, which calls for 'should'.
Correct: should. This acts as a practical recommendation or advice based on a condition, which calls for 'should'.
Hard Level Practice
Hard Level
1
Help me with this heavy box. → .......... (Could / Must / Might) you help me with this box? (choose the appropriate form of the verb to make a polite request)
Correct! To turn an imperative command into a highly polite request query, 'Could' is the correct formal modal tool.
Correct: Could. To turn an imperative command into a highly polite request query, 'Could' is the correct formal modal tool.
2
It is legally compulsory to wear seat belts. You .......... (wear) seat belts while driving. (put the correct modal verb to complete the sentence)
Correct! Legal compulsion or universal rule structures require 'must' or 'have to'.
Correct: must or have to. Legal compulsion or universal rule structures require 'must' or 'have to'.
3
She must submit the application form yesterday before the office closed. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! The time word 'yesterday' and past clause 'before the office closed' force the past obligation form 'had to' instead of 'must'.
Correct: She had to submit the application form yesterday before the office closed.. The time word 'yesterday' and past clause 'before the office closed' force the past obligation form 'had to' instead of 'must'.
4
Take an umbrella with you. It .......... (might / must / should) rain, though the sky looks perfectly clear now. (choose the appropriate form of the verb to show weak possibility)
Correct! The clue 'though the sky looks perfectly clear now' implies a very remote, weak chance of rain, selecting 'might'.
Correct: might. The clue 'though the sky looks perfectly clear now' implies a very remote, weak chance of rain, selecting 'might'.
5
It is not necessary for you to bring food. → You .......... (needn't / mustn't / shouldn't) bring food. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! 'Not necessary' implies an absence of obligation, which translates directly to 'needn't' or 'don't have to'. 'Mustn't' would wrongly mean forbidden.
Correct: needn't. 'Not necessary' implies an absence of obligation, which translates directly to 'needn't' or 'don't have to'. 'Mustn't' would wrongly mean forbidden.
6
Could you to tell me the way to the central bus station, please? (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! Even in complex interrogative requests, the modal 'Could' connects to a bare main verb. The word 'to' must be removed.
Correct: Could you tell me the way to the central bus station, please?. Even in complex interrogative requests, the modal 'Could' connects to a bare main verb. The word 'to' must be removed.
7
By the time he finishes his training next year, he .......... (can) fly commercial planes. (put the correct form of the verb 'can' to show future ability)
Correct! 'Can' cannot be directly mixed with future indicators as 'will can'. Future ability must be framed using 'will be able to'.
Correct: will be able to. 'Can' cannot be directly mixed with future indicators as 'will can'. Future ability must be framed using 'will be able to'.
8
If he studies exceptionally hard, he .......... (may / must / should) top the board exams, but competition is fierce. (choose the appropriate form of the verb)
Correct! 'May' highlights the possibility in a fierce environment, whereas 'should' highlights logical expectation. Given 'competition is fierce', 'may' represents the tentative possibility accurately.
Correct: may or should. 'May' highlights the possibility in a fierce environment, whereas 'should' highlights logical expectation. Given 'competition is fierce', 'may' represents the tentative possibility accurately.
9
You don't have to cross the border without a valid visa; it is completely illegal. (rewrite the sentence correcting the mistakes)
Correct! 'Don't have to' implies something is optional. Because crossing illegally is an absolute legal violation, it requires the structural prohibition of 'must not'.
Correct: You must not cross the border without a valid visa; it is completely illegal. or You mustn't cross the border without a valid visa; it is completely illegal.. 'Don't have to' implies something is optional. Because crossing illegally is an absolute legal violation, it requires the structural prohibition of 'must not'.
10
I searched everywhere but I .......... (not find) my missing keys yesterday. (put the correct modal combination to complete the sentence)
Correct! A failure of ability or achievement in a past specific event ('yesterday') requires the negative past modal structure 'could not find'.
Correct: could not find or couldn't find. A failure of ability or achievement in a past specific event ('yesterday') requires the negative past modal structure 'could not find'.