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Modal Verbs are special helping verbs. Think of them as friendly words that help other verbs to show things like what we can do, what we may do, or what we should do. Let's learn about these cool words and become grammar experts! 🚀

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Modal Verbs for Class 4 | Can, Could, May, Might - Examples & Exercises

What are Modal Verbs? A Definition for Grade 4

Modal Verbs (also called modals or modal auxiliary verbs) are special verbs that help the main verb in a sentence. They don't show the action themselves; instead, they add more meaning to the action. They can show:

  • Ability: What someone can do. (A fish can swim.)
  • Permission: Asking if it's okay to do something. (May I eat a cookie?)
  • Possibility: What might happen. (It may rain today.)
  • Obligation: What someone must do. (You must listen to your teacher.)
  • Advice: What someone should do. (You should eat fruits.)

The most common modal verbs we will learn are: can, may, might, must, should, will, could, and would.

Super Tip: Modal verbs always come before the main verb, and the main verb stays in its simple base form (like eat, play, go). You never add 's', 'ed', or 'ing' to the main verb after a modal!

Modal Verbs in the Class 4 CBSE and ICSE Syllabus

The topic of Modal Verbs is a fundamental concept in the English grammar curriculum for Class 4 students under both the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) boards. This lesson, including the definitions, list of modals, examples, and exercises, is designed to align perfectly with the learning objectives set by the NCERT and these major educational boards in India.

List of Modal Verbs for Class 4 with Examples

Let's meet our modal verb friends! Each one has a special job.

Can shows what you are able to do, or to ask for/give permission in a friendly, informal way.

  • Ability (what you are able to do):
    • Example: I can ride my bicycle.
    • Example: Birds can fly high in the sky.
    • Example: My brother can solve this puzzle quickly.
    • Example: She can speak three languages.
    • Example: A fish can breathe underwater.
    • Example: We can see the stars at night.
  • Permission (friendly/informal way):
    • Example: Can I play with your toys?
    • Example: Yes, you can have another cookie.
    • Example: Can we watch a movie now?
    • Example: Dad, can I go to the park?
    • Example: You can borrow my pen.
    • Example: Can I sit here?

May is used to ask for or give permission (often more polite than 'can'), and to show that something is possible.

  • Permission (polite way):
    • Example: May I come in, teacher?
    • Example: You may go to the park after your homework is done.
    • Example: May I ask a question?
    • Example: He may join us if his mother allows it.
    • Example: You may begin your test now.
    • Example: May I borrow your book, please?
  • Possibility (a good chance something will happen):
    • Example: It may be sunny tomorrow.
    • Example: Mom may bake a cake for my birthday.
    • Example: Our team may win the match.
    • Example: Look at the dark clouds; it may rain soon.
    • Example: She may visit us this evening.
    • Example: The train may be late.

Might is also used to show possibility, but it usually means the chance is smaller or less certain than 'may'.

  • Smaller Possibility:
    • Example: It might rain, but the sun is still out.
    • Example: He might come to the party, but he isn't sure yet.
    • Example: Take an umbrella; it might be useful later.
    • Example: She might know the answer, but we should ask the teacher.
    • Example: I might have a sandwich for lunch, or I might have rice.
    • Example: The store might be open, but it's already late.
    • Example: This might be the book I was looking for.

Must tells us that something is very important or necessary to do, like a rule or a strong need.

  • Obligation (you have to do it):
    • Example: We must wear a seatbelt in the car.
    • Example: You must brush your teeth before bed.
    • Example: Students must complete their homework on time.
    • Example: I must finish my project today.
    • Example: We must follow the traffic rules for our safety.
    • Example: Everyone must respect their elders.
  • Must not (something you are not allowed to do):
    • Example: You must not touch a hot stove.
    • Example: We must not talk in the library.
    • Example: Children must not play with fire.
    • Example: You must not be late for school.
    • Example: One must not lie.

Should is used to give good advice or say what is the right or correct thing to do.

  • Advice:
    • Example: You should drink milk every day.
    • Example: We should help our friends.
    • Example: It's cold outside; you should wear a jacket.
    • Example: He should study hard for his exams.
    • Example: You should say 'thank you' when someone helps you.
    • Example: We should not waste water.
  • Saying what's right:
    • Example: Children should obey their parents.
    • Example: We should always tell the truth.
    • Example: People should keep their city clean.
    • Example: You should be kind to animals.
    • Example: One should finish what they start.

Will talks about things that are going to happen in the future or what we plan or promise to do.

  • Future Action:
    • Example: I will go to my grandma's house on Sunday.
    • Example: It will be my birthday next month.
    • Example: They will visit the museum tomorrow.
    • Example: The sun will rise in the east.
    • Example: She will participate in the competition.
    • Example: We will have our exams next week.
  • Promise:
    • Example: I will share my toys with you.
    • Example: We will always be best friends.
    • Example: He promised he will finish the work by evening.
    • Example: I will help you with your project.
    • Example: Don't worry, I will be careful.

Could and Would are often used to be extra polite. 'Could' is also the past form of 'can'.

  • Could (Polite request / Past ability):
    • Example (Polite request): Could you please pass the crayons?
    • Example (Polite request): Could you tell me the time, please?
    • Example (Polite request): Could I have a glass of water?
    • Example (Past ability): When I was a baby, I could not walk.
    • Example (Past ability): Last year, he could not swim, but now he can.
    • Example (Past ability): She could sing very well when she was young.
  • Would (Polite request / Offer):
    • Example (Polite request): Would you like to play with me?
    • Example (Offer): Would you like some juice?
    • Example (Offer): Would you like another piece of cake?
    • Example (Polite request): Would you mind closing the door?
    • Example (Polite request): Would you help me carry this bag?
    • Example (Offer): What would you like for dinner?

For Class 4, we mainly focus on 'can', 'may', 'must', 'should', and 'will'. 'Could' and 'would' are great to know for being polite!

How to Make Negative Sentences with Modals

Making a negative sentence with a modal verb is super easy! You just add 'not' right after the modal verb. Here are some examples of negative modal verbs:

  • can + not = cannot (or can't)
    • Example: A penguin cannot fly.
  • should + not = should not (or shouldn't)
    • Example: You should not waste food.
  • must + not = must not (or mustn't)
    • Example: We must not make noise in the hospital.
  • will + not = will not (or won't)
    • Example: He will not come to school tomorrow.
  • could + not = could not (or couldn't)
    • Example: I could not find my shoes this morning.
  • would + not = would not (or wouldn't)
    • Example: She would not eat the vegetables.

Modal Verbs at a Glance: A Quick Chart

This modal verbs chart is a great tool for quick revision. You can use it to remember the job of each modal verb.

Modal Verb Main Use/Function Example Sentence
Can Ability / Permission (Friendly) I can swim. / Can I play?
May Permission (Polite) / Possibility May I come in? / It may rain.
Might Smaller Possibility It might get cold later.
Must Obligation / Rule You must finish your homework.
Should Advice You should eat vegetables.
Will Future Action / Promise We will go to the park tomorrow.
Could Polite Request / Past Ability Could you help me? / I could not read as a baby.
Would Polite Request / Offer Would you like some tea?

Key Rules for Modal Verbs

Let's remember some golden rules!

  • Modal verbs are helping verbs; they need a main verb with them.
  • They help show ability, permission, possibility, advice, or obligation.
  • Our main modal friends are: can, may, might, must, should, will, could, would.
  • The main verb after a modal verb stays in its simple form (like go, eat, play).
    • Correct: She can sing.
    • Incorrect: She can sings. / She can to sing.
  • Modal verbs do not change if the person (subject) doing the action changes.
    • I can jump. You can jump. He can jump. They can jump.
  • To make a modal verb negative, we add 'not' after it (e.g., `can not`, `should not`).

Modal Verbs Exercises for Class 4 with Answers

Choose the best modal verb from the brackets to fill in the blanks.

  1. A little kitten ________ drink milk. (can / should)
  2. ________ I have a piece of cake, please? (May / Must)
  3. We ________ help our friends when they are in need. (should / will)
  4. You ________ touch the electric wires. It's dangerous! (can / must not)
  5. My dad said he ________ take me to the zoo tomorrow. (will / may)
  6. A fish ________ live without water. (cannot / should not)
  7. ________ you please tell me a story? (Would / Must)
  8. Children ________ obey their elders. (should / can)
  9. Look at the sky! It ________ rain soon. (may / must)
  10. I ________ finish my drawing before I go to play. (must / may)
  11. If you study well, you ________ get good marks. (will / should)
  12. You ________ be quiet in the library. (must / can)
  13. The baby is sleeping. We ________ make noise. (should not / cannot)
  14. ________ I use your pencil for a minute? (Can / Will)
  15. He feels sick. He ________ see a doctor. (should / must)

Read the sentences. What does the underlined modal verb show? Choose from: Ability, Permission, Possibility, Advice, Obligation (Rule), Future Action, Polite Request.

  1. You should wash your hands before eating. (Shows: ____________)
  2. A monkey can climb trees. (Shows: ____________)
  3. May I borrow your red crayon? (Shows: ____________)
  4. It might be a holiday next week. (Shows: ____________)
  5. We must keep our classroom clean. (Shows: ____________)
  6. She will visit her grandparents this weekend. (Shows: ____________)
  7. He can run very fast. (Shows: ____________)
  8. You must wear your school uniform. (Shows: ____________)
  9. Could you please open the window? (Shows: ____________)
  10. I will help you with your homework. (Shows: ____________)
  11. You should not eat too much junk food. (Shows: ____________)
  12. The teacher may give us a surprise test. (Shows: ____________)
  13. Can I have some water? (Shows: ____________)
  14. I could not solve the puzzle yesterday. (Shows: Past Inability)
  15. They will go to the beach tomorrow. (Shows: ____________)

Change the following sentences into negative sentences by adding 'not' and using the correct negative modal verb.

  1. You should play on the road.
  2. He can lift that heavy box.
  3. We must talk during the exam.
  4. She will come to the party.
  5. I could finish the race.
  6. You may enter the room now.
  7. They can solve the sum.
  8. We should waste electricity.
  9. You must eat junk food daily.
  10. He will help his sister.
  11. I could hear the music clearly.
  12. Birds can write with a pen.
  13. You should be late for the meeting.
  14. We must pluck flowers from the park.
  15. She can drive a car.

Modal Verbs Quiz for Class 4 (MCQ Online Test)

Let's see how well you know your modal verbs! Time for a fun online test.

Pick the right modal verb for each sentence.

  1. "My baby sister ________ walk yet, but she crawls fast!"
    (a) can (b) cannot (c) must
  2. "Teacher, ________ I drink some water?"
    (a) must (b) may (c) will
  3. "You ________ eat too many sweets; it's not good for your teeth."
    (a) should not (b) can (c) may
  4. "I promise I ________ finish my drawing today."
    (a) should (b) will (c) must
  5. "The weather report says it ________ be sunny all day."
    (a) may (b) must (c) cannot
  6. "To be healthy, you ________ exercise regularly."
    (a) can (b) should (c) will
  7. "When I was four, I ________ read simple words."
    (a) can (b) will (c) could
  8. "You ________ be on time for the school bus."
    (a) may (b) must (c) can
  9. "Look at those dark clouds! It ________ rain heavily."
    (a) will (b) may (c) should
  10. "________ you help me with this heavy bag, please?"
    (a) Would (b) Should (c) Must
  11. "A fish ________ survive on land."
    (a) can (b) will not (c) cannot
  12. "If you need help, you ________ ask the teacher."
    (a) must (b) should (c) will
  13. "He ________ be at home; his car is not here."
    (a) will not (b) cannot (c) must not
  14. "You ________ play with matches. It is forbidden."
    (a) should not (b) must not (c) may not
  15. "I ________ go to the market this evening to buy vegetables."
    (a) should (b) may (c) will

Choose the best modal verb, 'may' or 'might', for each sentence. Remember, 'may' shows a stronger possibility than 'might'.

  1. Look at the dark clouds. It ________ rain today.
    (a) may (b) might
  2. I'm not sure, but I ________ go to the party tonight.
    (a) may (b) might
  3. The teacher announced we ________ have a test on Friday.
    (a) may (b) might
  4. He didn't study well, so he ________ fail the exam.
    (a) may (b) might
  5. If you hurry, you ________ catch the bus.
    (a) may (b) might
  6. This dress is expensive. It ________ be too costly for me.
    (a) may (b) might
  7. The road is closed. We ________ have to take a different route.
    (a) may (b) might
  8. She is practicing hard. She ________ win the first prize.
    (a) may (b) might
  9. I can't find my keys. I ________ have left them at home.
    (a) may (b) might
  10. The sky is clear, but the forecast says it ________ snow later.
    (a) may (b) might
  11. Ask him. He ________ know the answer.
    (a) may (b) might
  12. She looks happy. She ________ have received good news.
    (a) may (b) might
  13. The plant looks dry. It ________ need some water.
    (a) may (b) might
  14. He is the best player. The team ________ win because of him.
    (a) may (b) might
  15. I feel a little tired. I ________ take a nap.
    (a) may (b) might

Match the modal verb in Column A with its main function in Column B.

Column A (Sentence with Modal) Column B (Function)
1. A bird can fly.a) Future Action
2. You should be polite.b) Polite Request
3. We will visit the fair.c) Obligation
4. May I come in?d) Ability
5. You must stop at the red light.e) Advice
6. Would you like a cookie?f) Possibility
7. It might snow tonight.g) Permission
8. I could swim when I was five.h) Offer
9. She can speak English fluently.i) Past Ability
10. You should not lie.j) Prohibition (Strong rule against)
11. He must not play with fire.k) Negative Advice
12. She may be late for the meeting.l) Promise
13. I will help you, I promise.m) Inability
14. A fish cannot live on land.n) Smaller Possibility
15. Could you pass the salt?o) Polite Permission

These sentences have mistakes. Find the mistake and write the correct sentence.

  1. He can to swim fast.
  2. She must finishes her work.
  3. They will goes to the park.
  4. You should to be honest.
  5. We can plays the guitar.
  6. The dog wills bark.
  7. I must to go now.
  8. He cans climb a tree.
  9. You should helps your brother.
  10. She will to sing a song.
  11. They must stopping here.
  12. We may to watch a film.
  13. He could ran fast when he was young.
  14. She will calls you later.
  15. You must to wear a helmet.

Downloadable Modal Verb Worksheet and Chart PDF

To help you practice offline, we have created some useful resources. Click the links below to download them for free.

Download Modal Verbs Worksheet PDF (Coming Soon)

A comprehensive worksheet with mixed exercises covering all the topics on this page.

Download Modal Verbs Chart PDF (Coming Soon)

A colorful, printable chart summarizing the modal verbs, their functions, and examples. Great for your study wall!

Fun Activity Ideas for Modal Verbs

Here are some fun ideas for practice sheets and activities:

  • Modal Pictures: Show a picture (e.g., a child reading) and ask students to write a sentence using 'can'. (The child can read.)
  • Fill the Gap: Sentences with a blank and two modal choices. (e.g., "You ____ be quiet in the library. (must / may)")
  • Good Manners Role-Play: Give situations (e.g., "Someone gives you a gift.") and ask students to act out what they 'should' say or do. ("You should say thank you.")
  • My Super Powers: Ask kids to write three things they 'can' do, one thing they 'cannot' do, and one thing they 'will' do tomorrow.
  • Class Rules Poster: Ask students to create a poster with class rules using 'must' and 'must not'. (We must listen to the teacher. We must not shout.)
  • Polite Police: Have students correct impolite sentences by adding 'could' or 'would'. (Change "Give me that book" to "Could you please give me that book?")

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Modal Verbs

Q1: What's the difference between 'Can I...?' and 'May I...?'

Both are used to ask for permission! 'Can I...?' is friendly and informal, like asking a friend. (Example: "Can I play with your car?") 'May I...?' is more polite and formal, perfect for asking a teacher or an elder. (Example: "May I go to the washroom, ma'am?")

Q2: What is the difference between 'may' and 'might'?

Both show possibility, but 'may' suggests a stronger possibility, while 'might' suggests a weaker or smaller one. If you see dark clouds, you can say, "It may rain." If the sky is clear but the forecast mentions a small chance of rain, you could say, "It might rain later."

Q3: Do modal verbs change for 'he' or 'she'?

No, they don't! That's what makes them easy. For example: He can run. She can run. They can run. The modal 'can' stays the same for everyone. You never add an '-s' to a modal verb.

Q4: Can I use two modal verbs together, like 'will can'?

Good question! No, we only use one modal verb with the main verb. Instead of "He will can come," you should say something like "He will be able to come."

Q5: What does 'must not' mean?

'Must not' (or 'mustn't') means something is not allowed or is forbidden. It's a very strong rule. For example: "You must not play with fire" means it is very important that you don't do it because it's dangerous.

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