August 26, 2025
Modals

Use of Modals in progressive form

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Modals in progressive form

Sub + auxiliary verb + be + action + ing + obj.

Auxiliary verbs: will, may, might, could, should, must, would

Progressive structure of modal verbs

Work going on

He will be facing the interview tomorrow. (100 % surety of facing the interview tomorrow)

He may be facing the interview tomorrow. (50 to 60 % surety of facing the interview)

He might be facing the interview tomorrow. (20 to 30 % surety of facing the interview)

He must be facing the interview tomorrow. (He needs a job anyhow; therefore, up to 90 % surety of facing the interview)

He should be facing the interview tomorrow. (Sentence conveys the suggestion of facing interview)

He could be facing the interview tomorrow. (Possibility of facing the interview at this time. It is being used for the future possibility)

He said that he would be going to the market to buy the vegetables.    (Past of will)

See some examples of modals in progressive form :

He must be joking. She may be joking.
She should be joking.  She must be playing.
They must be playing in the ground now. Will they be playing the Guitar outside the concert?
He will be still playing football. He won’t be travelling tomorrow.
Will he be dancing at a wedding ceremony? She may be solving the sums at the moment.
She must be playing in the ground now. He should be facing the interview.   She told me that they would be running there. She could be solving the Sudoku puzzle at the teacher’s home.
I guess he could be learning how to dance at the moment. (It means he might be learning) He could be playing cricket on the school ground.

Note: “Could and Might” are equal in expressing possibilities. It means around 50 % chances of doing something.

Modals Perfect continuous forms- Modals in progressive form

These are also called past progressive forms of modal verbs.

Subject + modal verb + have been + action+ ing + object.

When I entered home, He might have been fighting with his sister.

I heard music sound; he must have been listening to songs that day.

He didn’t hear any information about you; otherwise, he would have been coming to meet you.

He was busy; otherwise, firstly, he would have been completing your work.

He should have been studying in examination time yesterday.

They should have been learning how to play the Guitar for the sake of competition last month.

He must have been enjoying the party last night.

If I had reached the station on time, I would have been traveling on that train. (See unit 26 for would have)

It had been snowing in Kashmir since January. (It is past perfect continuous tense. It is not related to modals sentence)

Exercise I

Complete the sentences with present Modals in progressive form
  1. I guess he……….be learning driving.
  2. I know about her. She …………. playing in the park now.
  3. She told me that they …………(will) be taking the examination.
  4. She …………… (learn) how to dance. (possibility)
  5. He……….be studying now.      (advice)
  6. I am not sure. He ………… (watch) TV with friends.
  7. It is too late to go to see him at home. He……….be walking in the park.    (completely sure)
  8.  It ………… be raining in Muzaffarnagar.    (20 % surety)
  9. He.………still………. (play) snookers.   (future)
  10. He …………. Travelling tomorrow. (50 % chances of doing the action)
Exercise II
Complete the sentences with past progressive activities( Modals in progressive form).
  1.  I heard his tractor’s sound; he………………  (irrigate) the field yesterday.
  2. It………… raining since morning.
  3.  His computer was out of order; otherwise, he……………  (operate) it.
  4.  It was his class time. He…………. teaching at the centre.
  5. He didn’t study yesterday. He…………been copying in social studies. (deduction)
  6.  Where was he? He…………been studying in class. (possibility)
  7.  If I had gone to Mumbai. I…………. doing the job.
  8. If she……. done his MBA, she would………doing HR Job.
  9.  If I……. had a car, I………… (drive) on GT road.
  10. She told a lie, she………. (speak) the truth before my friends. (suggestion)
Use of Modals in progressive form Read More
Modals

Different Uses of Would

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Uses of Would

Would like: When somebody has the desire to do something

I would like to eat bananas.

She would like to go with us.

They would like to join us.

What would you like to have for dinner?

I would like to have cheese for dinner.

What would he like to eat?

He would like to eat a burger.  

What would she like to drink?

She would like to drink fruit juice.

Note: We also use ‘take’ in the sense of drinking and eating.

Would love: 

When a person wants to do something very much, it means a strong feeling to have or to do something. 

I would love to meet him.

She would love to go with him

I would love to go for a long drive.

They would love to go for an evening walk.

I would love to make pizza.

I would love to swim.

Would prefer………. to:

 Choice of something rather than another thing for a definite time

I would prefer juice to tea.

She would prefer eggs to mutton.

My friend would prefer ice cream to sweets.

He would prefer novels to comics.

I would prefer fashion magazines to books.

I would prefer a laptop to Smartphone.

Prefer: (Uses of Would)

Subject + prefers/prefer…..

 ‘Prefer‘ denotes a general selection of things. (one better than another thing) 

I prefer the train to the bus.

She prefers juice to milk.

Would better: less strong suggestion or order

I would better study now.

She would better stay home.

I would better go now.

My father would better find a new job.

I would better complete M.Phill.

Rahul would better leave smoking.

 

‘Had better‘ is also used in the place of ‘would better’ to express strong suggestion or order.

I had better prepare for a government job.

She had better get married soon.

My father had better start his own business.

They had better leave this city.

Uses of Would sooner and would rather (prefer)

When we select one thing, compare it to another thing, or give preference to one action to another. Both are similar in meaning but ‘Would rather’ is used very commonly in English rather than ‘Would sooner.’

Subject + would rather/would sooner + action + object + etc.

Otherwise, ‘than + action’ is also used if it is required.

Subject + would rather/would sooner + action + object + than + action 

‘To’ and ‘+ing’ also not used with “would rather and would sooner.”

I would rather die than beg from my brothers.

I don’t need your bike. I would rather go by taxi.

I would rather not beg.

She would rather not play with us.

I would sooner start my business than do a job. (×)

I would sooner start my business than do a job. 

I’d rather stay home than play outside.

She’d sooner learn how to play billiards than cricket.

He’d rather read novels than epics.

She’d sooner join Yoga than Gym.

Note: ‘d is a contradictory form for ‘would.’

 Would much rather

‘Much’ is used with ‘would rather’ to give strong preference.

I’d much rather learn data science than sit idle at home.

She’d much rather get a job than do an MBA.

Past use of would rather or would sooner.

 

Would sooner or would rather are used with past subjunctive mood (Uses of Would)-

When different subjects are mentioned: 

Subject + would sooner/would rather, Subject + action II form.

I would rather you hire him. (×)

I would rather you hired him

I would sooner you learn English. (×)

I would sooner you learnt English.

She would rather that he went to America.

He would rather that she didn’t make a mistake.

I’d rather you stayed home.

She’d sooner you completed your study. 

“Would rather or would sooner” is followed by past perfect action if the same subject has been mentioned in the sentence.

My brother would rather have gone to the village in Lockdown condition.

I would rather have sold my old home.

She would rather have opened his account in HDFC Bank.

She would sooner have been hospitalized in COVID-19 condition.

He would rather have taken LIC life insurance than 

1. (he took life insurance of private company)     

Note: “Would sooner and Would just as soon” are similar in meaning.

Uses of Would rather and had rather (prefer)

“Would rather and had rather,” are also the same in meaning.

 We prefer to do one task than another one. ‘Had rather’ is not used much as compared to ‘would rather’.

I would rather write my thesis than enjoy the party.

Or I had rather work in the office.

 

Exercise I (Uses of Would)

See the hints and complete the sentences: 

Sumit Som………….. join Indian Army. (strong suggestion.

You………. Study hard for your annual examination.  

(strong suggestion.)

She………. learn how to swim. (less strong advice)

I……… fast food to fruits. (choice)

They……….. to take ice-creams. (strong desire)

She………..to go with her friends for a picnic. (desire)

I……….. complete my post-graduation. (less strong advice)

He………… to join the defence. (strong desire)

I……… homoeopathy to allopathy. (selection)

She..……….. Indian History to English literature. (choice in a general sense)

Exercise II (Uses of Would)

Find the typical errors where it is necessary.

 1. I would rather steal money to beg.

1. She would prefer tea than coffee.

2. He would sooner go home than staying here.

3. They would rather to take him home.

4. I would love go on foot.

5. She would like buy a new car.

6. He would prefer juice to milk.

7. She would rather taking juice.

8. He would rather joined Indian Army.

9. He would rather you play hockey.

10. I would rather he goes.

11. She would sooner he doesn’t ask a question.

12. He would rather have take juice.

13. They would sooner have went to Meerut from Jaipur.

14. He would just as soon completed his book.

Different Uses of Would Read More
Modals

Use of Would in Grammar

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Would in Grammar

‘Would’ meaning in English is used in various ways. Let’s see some usages:

Rule 1:

‘Would in Grammar’ is used in the present and future for polite requests:

Would you help me in this matter?

Would you do me a favour, please?

Would you mind shifting a bit, please?

Would you mind closing the door, please?

Note: ‘could’ is also used for polite requests.

Rule 2 (Would in Grammar):

In the future, to show the feeling of excitement and happiness:

I would go home after a long time.

It’s very hot. I would take a bath.

It’s very cold today. I would take tea.

I am so tired. I would sleep now.

Rule 3:

It shows past habits(Would in Grammar):

I would/used to play marbles in childhood.

I would/used to read a novel before sleeping every day.

I would/used to take tea. But now I take coffee.

She would/used to eat cotton candies in childhood.

She wouldn’t use to go to the temple during school days. But now she goes every day.

 Rule 4 (Would in Grammar)

‘Would’ is Used as the past form of will. It means the future in the past when reporting what somebody has said or expressed.

He told me that she will there the next day.  

(would in the place of will)

 She told him that he will join Army. (would in place of will)

My teacher told me that the principal will not tolerate it anymore. (‘Would’ in the place of will)

 Rule 5 (Would in Grammar).

Present unlikely or regret, and wish (you regret in the present for something that is not in your hand that time we use:

If + subject + verb II, Subject + would + main verb + object.

Examples: If I had a bike, I would gift it to you.

If she went yesterday, he would come to meet me.

If he got selected for a government job, he would get married.

If Radhika took admission to a college, she would get the highest marks in the class.

Rule 6:Would in Grammar

“Would that, I wish, I would and If only” are the expression which is used to share regret or dissatisfaction with the present: 

Would that I were a minister! (present condition)

Would that he had worked there! (past situation)

She wishes she had money now. (present condition)

I wish I had had a car then. (past condition)

If only I had joined this centre last month.

‘Would’ is used when the subjects of both sentences are different. E.g.

I wish he would get selected for a bank job.

Rule 7.

The supposition in present condition:

If I were the director of this company, I would kick him out.

If I were an eagle, I would fly in the sky without a fear.

If she were the landlady, she wouldn’t tolerate our foul language in the room.

If Katherine were an actress, she would play a role very well.

Exercise I(Would in Grammar): 

Find the suitable verb (Would) and fill in the blanks:

  1. ………. you mind……….. (move) a bit?
  2. Would that I………. an actor!
  3. Would that she………. (get) a job in Google!
  4. If Rohit………. (study), he wouldn’t fail in the class.
  5. She told him that he……….. join the navy. (future)
  6. I…………. take chocolate. But now I don’t eat it. (past habit)
  7. It’s a very hot day. I……….. take a beer. (future)
  8. ……… you make me understand this equation please? (polite request)
  9. If I had money, I……….. donate for the helpless people.

10. She wishes she………. Smartphone now. (present condition)

11. I wish I……….. money then. (past condition)

12. If I were a government teacher, I……… earn a handsome salary.

See other modals list, you may like it:

Could have (Modal Verb) – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

May have/Might have & Must have: Modals – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Used to (Modal Verb) – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

The Semi-Modal Verb Need – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Should vs. ought to vs. must -Modal verbs – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Use Of Have to & Had to – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

‘May and might’ (Modal Verbs) – Use of Auxiliary Verbs – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Could (Modal Verb) – Use of Could – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

The Verb ‘To Be’- is/are/am/was/were/been – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Modals with ‘have’- Possession – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Use of Would in Grammar Read More
Modals

Modals with ‘have’- Possession

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Modals with ‘have’

Modals with ‘have’ means Possess something or belonging to one.

Present, past, and future modals with ‘have’ verbs:

Subject + modal verb + have + objects

Subject + modal verb + to have + objects

See the structure of Modals with ‘have’:

Subject + could have/might have/should have/ must have/would have + had + objects

See the following sentences below regarding modals with ‘have’

I may have a Ferrari car. We ought to have faith in our prime minister.
She might have an Iphone. You must not have an attitude.  
He can have this villa. I want that I would have a beautiful wife.
I could have a snake. We have to have malaria medicine in corona condition.
You shouldn’t have arrogant. She has to have a pen with her.
He had to have a heavy bag.  (Past sentence but after “to + have”) She will have to have trust in you in this condition.
She is to have one pistol with her. If I had a car, I would go with you on a long drive.
He was to have a sword. She needs to have a Smart Phone.
She needed to have a Smart Phone with her. She needs to have a dog for security purposes.
You shouldn’t have sold all your flats. You were to have one of them. She will need to have an Aadhar card with her if she goes for an interview
She dares to have a lion at her farmhouse Or she dare have a lion at her farmhouse I forgot; otherwise, I could have had my android application for earning money. However, my friend stole my idea.  
Did you see my wallet? I did not, but his brother might have had your wallet. I used to have painkillers at home.  

 

Exercise:

Spot the errors of modals with ‘have’ and correct them. If sentences are correct, write ‘no error’

  1. He needed to had a laptop.
  2. I may have not a BMW car.
  3. She mightn’t have this kind of notebook.
  4. He can to have this watch.
  5. I could have a flat.
  6. You should not have got snobbish.
  7. We ought have faith in God.
  8. You must not have laziness.
  9. I want that I would handsome kid.
  10. We have to had extra petrol.
  11. She have to have two mobile phones with her.
  12. He had to had a massive bag because he used to go on a world tour. 
  13. She need had some books.
  14. She dares have white rats at home.
  15. I used to milk every time at home.
  16. If I had money, I would have had that jacket.
  17. If I had had time to buy a novel, I would give it.
  18. I missed it; I should have this white horse.
  19. He told that his friend might have your wallet.
  20. I did not know otherwise; I could have have my phone with me.
Modals with ‘have’- Possession Read More
Modals

Could have -Modal Verb

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Could have -Modal Verb

I. Could have –Modal Verb  denotes past situations to express something that was or wasn’t possible in the past.

Sub + could have + m.v.3+ object, etc.

You could have gone there. You had time.

She could have told me it yesterday.

He could have stayed at my relative’s home. But he booked a room in a hotel to stay a single night.

Katherine couldn’t have known the murder. He had not been told yet.

She could have bought that car. It looked great.

Liza could have gone to any country he wanted to

II. We use Could have -Modal VerbWhen we are capable of doing something, but we didn’t complete what was expected to do.

He could have got a job, but he didn’t go to Mumbai.

She could have got a job in defence, but she didn’t apply for it.

She could have passed the examination, but she didn’t study harder. 

Rajasthan Royals could have won the match, but they didn’t try hard in fielding.

She could have been selected for the government job, but she didn’t prepare for it.

He could have bought a new mobile, but he borrowed a mobile from his brother-in-law.

Why didn’t you tell me about your party? I could have provided you with my car to go to the party.

Rahul could have participated in the quiz competition, but he took his name back from the list.

He could have got good marks in the twelfth standard, but he didn’t study this year.

He could have dropped her sister at her examination centre, but he went to a friends’ party.

She could have got married to Arjun. But she broke up with him last year.

We could have left the theatre earlier.But we ate inside the theatre.

You could have gone to market, but you went to bed early.

III. There is a big difference between could and could have -Modal Verb; could shows ability in past but could have mainly is used to denote past possibility.

He could run fast before the marriage.

He could have run fast if he did not meet with an accident.

The man was shouting a lot because he couldn’t find his child at the fair.

The man who lost his child in the fair could have found him, but he only shouted.  (he didn’t find him)

IV. ‘Could have’ is also used for speculation of things that didn’t happen or take place.

Are you absent-minded? You could have hit your bike with the lorry.

Are you crazy, man? You could have crashed the car.

Have you gone crazy? You could have died if you had taken the poison.

Look there, crazy man; you could have crashed into the door.

V. Could have + past participle (m.v3) denote probability means we make a guess that happened in the past. But we are not confirmed what we are talking about is true or not. We have our own opinion on what happened over there.

Why has Pankaj not come yet?

He could have got stuck in the middle with clients.

He could have forgotten the schedule of the meeting.

He could have got late in getting ready.

He could have gone to bed late and got up late.

He could have attended the other meeting today.

He could have dropped his son at school?

 

VI. We can also use might have + action III form, which has the same meaning:

He might have got stuck in the middle with clients.

He might have forgotten the schedule of the meeting.

He might have got late in getting ready.

He might have gone to bed late and got up late.

He might have attended the other meeting today.

He might have dropped his son at school?

VII. Could not have/couldn’t have is used to denote something that was not possible in the past:

They could not have been at the office because I was with them in the pub at 6 in the evening.

My client couldn’t have told the truth because he was making you a fool at that time.

VIII. Doer had the wish to complete the action but didn’t complete the action in the past. 

    If + past perfect tense, subject + could have + action III + object + etc.

If I had gone before lockdown in Jaipur, I could have reached home.

If she had known him, she couldn’t have been bankrupt.

If they had got a job on time, their fathers couldn’t have done labour jobs.

If I had studied in my college day, I could have got the campus placement.

IX. Possession of something possibly in the past but We didn’t have.

I could have a Ferrari car in the previous month.

She could have a villa before marriage.

They could have their company two years before.

My father could have depression last year.

I could have a government job those days.

 

X. Use Could have -Modal Verb When Past compulsion, but the action didn’t take place:

He could have to go to jail.

She could have to pay the fine.

They could have to be beaten.

Exercise: 

Choose the suitable auxiliary verbs–can, could, could have – Modal Verb

  1. My friend………. (buy) that house, but he chose the expensive one.
  2. He………. (run) fast in his young age.
  3. Your brother…………. (save), The villagers had time.
  4. I……….. a book store last year.
  5. I……… (solve) this sum in 2nd standard.
  6. He………. (beat) in my childhood.
  7. My elder brother…………. (come) to see my dance competition. He had a holiday.
  8. If I had told him the truth, she……… left his friend.
  9. Dushyant Som………. known the name but none of his friends told him.

10. Angel……………. loan, but he had all the documents.

11. She………. to go to the hospital yesterday. 

12. He………. An MLA ticket if he had desired to buy it.

13. I………. a big home if I want it.

14. Where is your friend now? I really don’t know. He………… gone to his relative party.

15. Look there, crazy man; you………….. crashed to the door.

Could have -Modal Verb Read More
Modals

May have/Might have and Must have: Modals

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May have/Might have and Must have

Modals: “May have/might have and Must have” are used to express the possibility or chances of work being done in the past.

Might have–20 to 40% guess of something means chances were less to complete the task. “Might have” used for a complete guess or speculation for the past situation.

May have–50 to 60% chances of doing work. It shows more chances to complete the job.

Must have ­-
 It makes sure that action takes place with strong affirmation. It is sure that action definitely happened.

Structure for May have/Might have and Must have

Subject + may have/might have/ Must have + action III + object

We think it’s probably that action happened, but we don’t know. It means it was possibly done.

  For examples:

Did you see him stealing my keys? No, I didn’t. He may have stolen my keys. Did you drive him to the railway station? Yes, I did. He may have reached Kanpur.
He might have gone home. (It’s less possible that he went home). He studied with me. He may have got a job.
He told me a lie; he might have hidden the truth. He revealed the secret of the company; he may have been paid money by another party.
She broke up with me. She may have connected with another guy. He liked my golden watch; he might have stolen it in my absence.
She went to the cinema; she may have watched the movie with John. The result was declared. He didn’t tell me. He may not have got good marks in the exams.
He may have left him alone on the way due to his rude behaviour. She might have left him in a lurch. (rare chance to leave him alone). He may have fought with Radhika due to her other extramarital affairs.
He left India. He might have been settled abroad. He might have come to attend the meeting there.
He may have reached Hyderabad for the next assignment till now. I have to go right now. She may have cooked food.
She didn’t attend the class yesterday, so her teacher may have scolded her. Gagan Sahrawat might have completed his post-graduation by now.
His friend might have retaliated with his enemy till now. Prabhat Ujjwal might have confided his partner from his business plans.
He knew the fact. Therefore, he may have assured Panchayat. He is going to attend the party that’s why he might have refused to come here.
The mother didn’t take her son’s money. Therefore, he might have gotten angry or got offended. Gagan was doing before two years post-graduation. He must have completed it.
Gaurav Maheshwari, who is my friend, was learning Spanish previously. He was in the course’s mid. He is very brilliant. He must have learned Spanish. He might have gone to the concert. (It is possible that he has gone to a concert, but it is also possible that he has gone somewhere else.)

 

“May have to and might have to” are used to express compulsion/obligation.

Sub + may have to/might have to + m.v.3 + obj.

He might have to change his location. They might have to go to Chennai for other business plans.
She may have to shift from here. Leave the office now. We may have to get ready soon for the party.

Must have

It is used to denote opinions based on known facts. It expresses past situations.

He met me on the way. He must have reached there.   He was brilliant. He must have solved the puzzle. I saw you there. You must have met him yesterday.  
Rohtash Chauhan, who is my teacher, was running his institute of English. He was thinking of opening a new centre as well. He discussed and offered me a job before the opening. But I moved to Jaipur. I think he must have opened the English spoken institute.  She was pleased. She must have been selected for a job.  

Click here to see the examples of Passive sentences of May have/Might have and Must have

Passive Voice of Modals – English Grammar (grammarsolution.com)

Exercise Of Modal Verbs (May have/Might have and Must have):

Choose suitable options.

I don’t have much knowledge about him. He ……….

a. Must have shifted to somewhere else’s.

b. Might shift to somewhere else’s

c. Might have shifted to somewhere else’s

2. He is not very intelligent. I think he ……. got selected in government by paying a bribe.

a. must have 

b. might have

c. might

3. My wallet isn’t in my pocket. It …….. been left in the train.

a. may

b. must have

c. might have

4. Did you see him playing football there? I didn’t see him but my brother who plays with him. He ………. Seen him playing.

a. may have

b. might

c. must

d. may

5.  The thief entered the house. Mr Morari woke up. He ………. Heard a crunch (sound).

a. must have

b. might have

c.  may

d. might

6. He has got selected in IIT. He ……….. studied a lot.

a. might have

b. may have

c. must have

d. might

7. He had got cold. It was raining heavily last night. I saw him going outside. He ………. wetted in the rain.

a. may have

b. must have

c. may be

d. might have

8.  Hearing a sound, He entered the room, and He speculated that she ………….committed suicide.

a. must have

b. may have

c. might have

d. might

9. My brother guessed that I ……….. stolen his wallet.

 a. must have

b. might have

c. may have

d. must

10. He became an IPS officer. He ………. Kept distance with social media websites.

a. must have

b. may have

c. might have

d. may

May have/Might have and Must have: Modals Read More
Modals

Used to (Modal Verb)

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Used to Modal Verb

It is a marginal modal verb.

It denotes a past habit that is no longer now.

Used to (Semi-Modal Verb) – Sub + used to + verb + object.

I used to play tips and cat in school days. She used to take coke. But now she takes juice.
He used to play hopscotch in childhood. He used to live in Jaipur. But now he lives in Muzaffarnagar.
She used to go to the temple every day. I used to write a diary.
I used to play boxing. But I quitted because of an injury. I didn’t use to tell a lie, but now I do.
They used to cook food before getting married. I have never done it before.
I used to play cards but no longer now. Do you still play cards? I still play cards, but my friend doesn’t play cards anymore.

Negative sentences: (Used to (Modal Verb)

Subject + didn’t + use to + m.v. + object.

I didn’t use to get up early in the morning. She didn’t use to take milk.
He didn’t use to take liquor.   I didn’t use to ride a bicycle.

 

Interrogative type I:

Did + subject + use to + verb + object?

Did you use to play badminton in high school? No, I didn’t use to play badminton in high school. But my best friend who used to play a lot. Did your father use to do gardening? He used to do gardening, but these days he is sick.  
Did your brother use to take drugs? He used to take drugs but no longer now. Did you use to play peekaboo? No, I didn’t use to play Peekaboo.  
Did she use to eat cotton candies? Yes, she used to eat cotton candies. But no longer now. Did your father use to take tobacco? No, he didn’t use to take tobacco.

Interrogative type II:

Did + subject + not + use to + verb + object?

Did she not use to swim? She didn’t use to swim. Now she has learnt how to swim. And she goes swimming. Did he not use to play kabaddi? He didn’t use to play kabaddi. But now he goes to the gym and does running. And he has participated in the Kabaddi team. 

                      OR

Didn’t + subject + use to + verb + object?

Didn’t he use to take liquor? Didn’t he use to smoke?

Wh words:

Wh words + didn’t + subject + use to + verb + object ?

                        OR

Wh words + did + subject + not + use to + verb + object?

What did you use to do after lunch when you were a kid? Why didn’t you use to take non-veg in childhood?
Where did you use to go on summer vacation? Where did you use to play billiards?  

Note: ‘Would’ is also used in the place of used to. But 

‘Used to’ has more usage than ‘would’.

 

Used to have

It is used when a person had a habit of having something in the past.

I used to have painkiller pills nearby my bed. She used to have two mobile phones with her.

Exercise of Used to (Modal Verbs):

Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb

Examples:  

   She used to write to her friends.

  1. Did you ….. play marbles?
  2. I …….. play hide and seek.
  3. She ….. play blind man’s bull.
  4. They didn’t ……. Play ducks and drakes.
  5. Why …….. he use to play cops and robbers with your friends?
  6. Why did he not …….. study in wee hours with you?
  7. Where …… you…… see bioscope cinema?
  8. He didn’t …… play hide and seek with his friends in childhood.      
  9. …. She ….. to walk in the morning every day.

10. What …… you…..to do after lunch when you were a kid?

Used to (Modal Verb) Read More
Modals

The Semi-Modal Verb Need

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The Semi-Modal Verb Need

It conveys an absence of necessity or obligation, and it is followed by a bare infinitive as a modal verb.

Need is a semi-modal verb. It is used in two ways as a modal verb and an action verb (main verb).

  1. Need is used as a modal verb:

Sub + need + action + obj.

You need go there.

She need take a rest now.

He need prepare his topic.

Needn’t /need not is used in no obligation or not essential to do something (The Semi-Modal Verb Need).

She needn’t go there. (Modal verb)

You needn’t fight with your neighbours.

She needn’t go alone over there.

She need not shift her house.

There are different words to indicate no obligation to do something—for example, no one, nobody, nothing. Need is used without ‘not’ when the above negative words are taken.

No one need tell a lie to him. I will handle the situation.

Nobody need express anything.

Interrogative sentence (The Semi-Modal Verb Need):

Need + Sub + action + obj?

Need you take a shower?

Need he learn the guitar?

Need they sell their property?

Need I take medicine thrice a day?

Past:

 ‘Need not have’ is used as a modal verb that denotes past. Or we can say it is used to convey an action that was not required but was done.

He need not have gone there.

I Need not have worked in school last year.

 

  • Need is also used as an ordinary verb/action. For examples:

You need to get ready soon.

He needs to win the match. Otherwise, he may lose his money in games of snooker.

You don’t need to go with him.

He doesn’t need to ask her.

Employees don’t need to tell a lie.

Does he need to teach kids?

Does he not need to leave his job? Or doesn’t he need to leave his job?

Do you need to carry the luggage?

Don’t you need to make a speech for the conference?

Note: ‘s’ is not used with need as a modal verb.

Exercise (The Semi-Modal Verb Need):

  1. Her hair is looking dirty. she ……. to wash. ( needs, need)
  2. Her bicycle is not helping in riding. She …… repair it. (need, needs)
  3. My animals are not hungry. They ……… to feed. (don’t need/need not)
  4. She knows how to speak English. She …….. learn English. (need not/ needs not)
  5. His room is untidy. He …….. to clean it. (needs/need)
  6. Bhupendra …….. to work in school last year. (didn’t need/need not have)
  7. He …………… gone there last month. (need not have/ didn’t need to )
  8. Do you …….. learn computer for a job? ( need to/needs to/need)

Does he …….. meet his uncle?  

  • (needs to/need to/ need)

10. did he ……. Speak English before the interviewer? (need to/ needed to/need have)

The Semi-Modal Verb Need Read More
Modals

Should vs ought to vs must -Modal verbs

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Should vs ought to vs must

Use of Should

‘Should’ is used to denote giving our asking for advice means suggestion:

You should start doing Yoga every day. He should be polite.
You should speak English while facing the interview. Being a teacher, you should update your knowledge to make your students wise than other students.
He feels hesitation. He should be outspoken. You shouldn’t be rude to your kids.
Being a good doctor, he should treat and behave properly with his patients. He shouldn’t allow her child to go out at night.
Being a good student, you should be polite and dedicated to your study. You shouldn’t take liquor in more quantity.
He should be punctual. Her sister should take medicine regularly.
Her mother shouldn’t cook spicy food, which is not suitable for her health at all. Should I talk to him and express the incident?
I should wait for a while. You should not argue with elders.  
He shouldn’t talk and drive. You should learn Spanish to get a handsome salary.

Should vs Ought to vs Must – ‘Should’ is used to denote Duty/obligation

He should attend the meeting.

He should tell the information.

He should reach on time.

One Promise should be kept.

He should tell his problem.

‘Should’ is also used past sense of shall that expresses Future in the past:

I told him that I should play chess.

Didn’t I mention you that I should narrate a story?

I told her that I should read a novel.

Note: Above sentences are mentioned used in indirect speech.

Direct speech: I said, “I shall not go with him there.”

Indirect speech: I said that I should not go with him.

My father said to me,” will you buy a new laptop,.”

My father asked me if I should buy a new laptop.

 Must

‘Must’ is used to express which is necessary or very important that happens in present or future (in the place of should):

If you want to reduce your fat, you must run every day. You must work hard in your study.  
You must attend the classes regularly. She is weak. She must take breakfast.
He must attend the conference. The Great Khali must prepare for competition.
You mustn’t tell a lie to me. She mustn’t dine out.
He mustn’t run in the school’s corridor. You mustn’t abuse your neighbours.
She mustn’t beat her child. You mustn’t lend him money. He won’t return you.
She mustn’t go to in-laws. You mustn’t take oily food.

‘Must’ is used to denote emphasizing an opinion:

I must say, it was a terrible experience of the zigzag tunnel. In my view, Society must be more secure. Otherwise, Robbers may rob the other houses.
I must say, you are really such a nice person; I have never met any person like you in my entire life before. I must admit, I didn’t concern him to be generous when I had met him first in Rohan’s wedding ceremony.
In my opinion, He must join the army. He must admit his mistake.
I would say he must prepare for a marathon. I would say she must prepare for an IAS competition.

 

‘Must’ is used to express what is stated or want to say, that is a good idea. You find another wants to give priority to doing the task:

You must visit your uncle’s home. You are good at sketching; you must join a designing course which is one of the best options to enhance your skills.
Let’s go to the theatre. We must watch Avenger; End game. It’s a worldwide famous movie. If you want to go abroad for further study, you must complete your higher study at Stanford University.

‘Must’ is used as a noun when something is very necessary:

It is a must to deposit money right now. This task is a must to complete at once.
This project is a must for us. Nothing is a must here. Do whatever you want to do.

Strong possibility: ((Should vs ought to vs must) 

It’s 8 o’clock; he must be in the class. He must be his father.
She must be sixteen. She must be pregnant.
He must be a cynic. He must be outspoken.
They must be French. She must be a reporter.
It must be a thermometer.  They must be detectives.
He has a BMW car. He must be rich. He must be an architect.

Progressive forms: (Should vs Ought to vs Must)

He must be joking. Raju must be running in the ground.
She must be taking lunch now. He must be attending the class in a computer centre.
He must be playing football. She must be making a speech at the conference. His father is not here. He must be playing a video game at home.

 

Ought to (Should vs Ought to vs Must)

‘Ought to’ is generally used for should and must. It is used for a strong feeling of moral duty or denoted to correct the actions.

You ought to serve your country from the bottom of your heart. You ought to obey your parents
You ought to love your wife. They ought not to beat juniors.
You ought to take care of your mother. We oughtn’t to jump the traffic light.
She ought to come to school on time. We ought to follow traffic rules.

Purpose: 

Drive carefully lest you should collide with other transport. Do study constantly lest you should fail in your schooling.
You are not allowed to leave the hotel lest you should be attacked. Go there on time lest you should miss the train.
Work with all your efforts lest you should lose your money on this project. Reach at assembly on time lest you should miss the prayer.

‘Should’ is also used to denote condition “in the sense of IF.”

‘Should’ you study in wee hours, you will get good marks in your exams. ‘Should’ you run every day, you will reduce your fat.
 
Exercise I:

Complete the sentences with the help of some listed modal verbs (Should vs ought to vs must) below:

 Can, Might, must, could, have to, should,

1.        He travelled up to 500 miles. He ………. be tired after a long journey. He ……… go to bed early at night.

2.        My friend doesn’t have an interest in watching movies at the theatre. If you convince him. He ………… join us.

3.        My friend has known this city for a long time. He …….. know these places.

4.        Don’t climb the mountain, you ……….. fell.

5.        She doesn’t know how to speak English. She ………. not explain to English man.

6.        If he goes with us, we ……… help him with money.

7.        Don’t be over smart; you…….. fail in solving the puzzle.

8.        Having finished his work, he ……….. not go outside late at night.

9.        You look powerful.  ………. you lift this box?

10.      He is brilliant. He ……… solve this puzzle in a few seconds.

11.      When I was young, I …….. walk for ten miles every day.

12.      When my brother was studying in the fifth standard. He …….. speak English fluently.

13.      We ……… do Yoga for our internal health.

14.      If he doesn’t study, he ……… also fail this year again.

15       . Teacher says to us that we ……….. obey the parents.

 
Exercise II:

Complete the sentence with the given hints (Should vs ought to vs must).

1.        ‘Should’ you ……….  (study)  five hours a day, you will get success in your competition.   (condition)

2.        You ………… love your kids.   (moral duty)

3.        Solve the sums carefully lest you ………. Make mistakes.   (purpose)

4.        She ………… look after her mother-in-law.  (moral duty)

5.        He must be ………(hide) the truth.

6.        She must ………. Studying now.

7.        We ……… follow the instructions of government policy due to the covid 19 virus.  (moral duty)

8.        We …………. tease the poor.    (moral duty)

9.        In my view, Indians ……… not go outside unnecessarily. Citizens …….. stay at home due to the coronavirus.

10.      You ……….. learn English. It will help you in your interview.   (advice)

Should vs ought to vs must -Modal verbs Read More
Modals

Use Of Have to & Had to

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Have to & had to

To have + infinitive is used to indicate compulsion that is must do. It expresses obligation in the present, past, and future.

Sub + has to / have to/ had to/ will have to + m.v. + obj.

His brother has to go 25 kilometres away to do a job. I gotta go.
I have to get early morning every day. I don’t gotta learn English.
She has to take pulses one time in a meal. I don’t gotta go there. (Gotta- Informal English)

Note- (It is used in slang by native speakers.) here ‘gotta’ means ‘have to.’  

I had to paint on the tower.

He will have to take non-vegetarian food in Saudi. That’s why he is going to change his plan.

Let’s see the conversation how to use have to & had to:

Rosy: My mother died of cancer.

Do you have to cook food on your own?

Yes, I have to cook food myself. No one is here besides me to cook. 

Don’t you have your sister?

Yes, I have two sisters besides me, but both are very little. Both sisters are studying in primary school.

Did you have to cook food in childhood?

Not at an early age, my father often had to prepare a meal for us. When I grew up, I learnt how to prepare tea, and after a few years, I had to learn how to cook food as well. I started with peeling and chopping vegetables, so thus I helped my father, and then I learnt how to knead the dough and make chapatti. So thus, I also started cooking food.

Does your father not help you with cooking?

He works, and he has to cover a long distance to reach the office. And he comes late from the office. Therefore, I serve the food to my family.

Will you have to marry?

Well, I will have to marry soon. But I have got some plans that I have to/will have to complete them before getting married.

Note: ‘have got to’ used for strong obligation in the present. But we can’t use ‘had got to or will have got to for past and future.

E.g., I have got to get very early in the morning.

 Exercise: (Have to & had to)

Complete the sentences with (Modals)- “has to/ have to & had to or will have to.”

I am really sorry. I couldn’t come to you. Actually I …had… to go somewhere else.

  1. They ……… to get early in the morning.
  2. I …….. to go to Jaipur yesterday.
  3. Her mother won’t be home. He …….. to cook himself tomorrow.
  4. They ………. to face the interview next month.
  5. I ………. to go to relatives last week.
  6. I …….. to tell a lie with my friends last Sunday.

………. You ……… 

  1. to complete your given task yesterday?
  2. When ………. You ……. to reach there tomorrow?

10. Why don’t you ……. to complete your classwork?

11. I ……… to read a newspaper.

12. My examinations are very close. I ………. to study.

13. Her boss was misbehaving, that’s why She ……….. to leave the job.

14. He couldn’t come yesterday because he ……..to go home soon.

15. My brother is very talented, but he ……. to face ragging in college yesterday.

Use Of Have to & Had to Read More