10th class,board examination,English grammar, Modal auxiliaries
10th Class · English Grammar · Board Exam 2026
Each question carries 1 mark. No negative marking. Choose the correct modal auxiliary to complete the sentence.
Ability / Possibility
Q1. She ______ speak four languages fluently — it is truly an impressive skill.
(A) may
(B) might
(C) can
(D) shall
Permission (Formal)
Q2. ______ I come in, sir? The door is closed and I did not want to enter without asking.
(A) must
(B) should
(C) may
(D) would
Past Ability
Q3. When he was young, he ______ run very fast, but now he walks with difficulty.
(A) can
(B) could
(C) may
(D) must
Obligation / Necessity
Q4. You ______ wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle — it is the law.
(A) might
(B) could
(C) may
(D) must
Advice / Moral Duty
Q5. You ______ respect your elders and be kind to those younger than you.
(A) can
(B) should
(C) might
(D) shall
Weak Possibility
Q6. Take your umbrella — it ______ rain this afternoon, though it looks clear now.
(A) must
(B) should
(C) might
(D) would
Polite Request
Q7. ______ you please pass me the dictionary from the shelf? I need it urgently.
(A) must
(B) may
(C) could
(D) shall
Strong Deduction / Certainty
Q8. She has studied day and night for months — she ______ pass the board exam easily.
(A) might
(B) could
(C) may
(D) must
Moral Obligation (Ought To)
Q9. We ______ help the poor and needy — it is our duty as human beings.
(A) might
(B) ought to
(C) could
(D) would
Habitual Past Action
Q10. My grandfather ______ tell us fascinating stories about his village every night before bed.
(A) may
(B) must
(C) would
(D) should
✅ Answers with Explanation
| Q | Answer | Rule / Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | (C) can | CAN = present ability. She has the skill to speak four languages right now → can. (COULD = past ability; MAY/MIGHT = possibility, not skill.) |
| 2 | (C) may | MAY = formal/polite request for permission. "May I come in?" is the standard formal expression for seeking permission. (CAN is informal; MUST and SHOULD don't request permission.) |
| 3 | (B) could | COULD = past ability. "When he was young" signals the past → could is the past form of CAN. He had the ability to run fast in the past, but no longer. |
| 4 | (D) must | MUST = strong obligation / compulsion (legal or moral rule). "It is the law" confirms compulsion → must. (SHOULD = mild advice; MAY/MIGHT = possibility only.) |
| 5 | (B) should | SHOULD = moral duty / advice. Respecting elders is a social and moral expectation, not a strict law → should. (MUST is too strong for moral advice; CAN expresses ability only.) |
| 6 | (C) might | MIGHT = weak / uncertain possibility. "Though it looks clear now" shows low certainty → might. (MAY = stronger possibility; MUST = near certainty; SHOULD = expectation.) |
| 7 | (C) could | COULD = polite request (more polite than CAN). "Could you please …?" is the standard polite way to make a request. (MAY is for permission; MUST gives commands; SHALL offers or promises.) |
| 8 | (D) must | MUST = strong logical deduction / near certainty. After months of study, it is almost certain she will pass → must. (MIGHT = uncertain; MAY = less certain; COULD = remote possibility.) |
| 9 | (B) ought to | OUGHT TO = moral obligation / duty based on ethics or conscience. "It is our duty as human beings" signals moral responsibility → ought to. (SHOULD also works but OUGHT TO is stronger for moral duty.) |
| 10 | (C) would | WOULD = habitual past action (something done regularly in the past). "Every night before bed" signals a repeated past habit → would. (COULD = past ability; MAY/MUST don't show past habit.) |
📌 Modal Auxiliaries — Quick Reference Chart
| Modal | Main Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| CAN | Present ability; informal permission | I can swim. · Can I go? |
| COULD | Past ability; polite request | He could run fast. · Could you help me? |
| MAY | Formal permission; probable possibility | May I come in? · It may rain. |
| MIGHT | Weak / uncertain possibility | He might come — not sure. |
| MUST | Strong obligation; logical certainty | You must obey rules. · She must be tired. |
| SHOULD | Mild advice; moral duty; expectation | You should exercise daily. |
| WOULD | Habitual past; polite request; conditional | He would sing every evening. |
| SHALL | Future (formal); offer; promise (I/We) | I shall return. · Shall I help you? |
| OUGHT TO | Moral obligation / duty (stronger than should) | We ought to help the needy. |
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