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प्रश्न
Study the different uses of ‘could’. Identify what it indicates.
Could I use your computer for surfing net? (possibility/request)
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उत्तर
request
Explanation:
Here, ‘could’ is used as a polite and respectful way to ask for permission to do something (in this case, to use someone else’s computer). It is not indicating a ‘possibility,’ because the speaker is actively asking the listener for a favour, rather than simply stating that an event might happen. Using ‘could’ instead of ‘can’ makes the request sound softer and more polite!
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संबंधित प्रश्न
Pick out the modal auxiliary and state its function.
(i) Students must be punctual in their work.
(ii) You can do that work easily.
Fill in the blank with appropriate modal auxiliaries according to the situation given in the following sentence.
_______ I ask you a question?
Read the given sentences:
- Does Sam write all his own reports?
- The secretaries haven’t written all the letters yet.
- Terry is writing an e-mail to a client at the moment.
The verbs in bold are broadly used to express tense. ‘Do’ can also be used for adding emphasis, as in “I do know the answer.” The verbs “be’, ‘have’ and ‘do’ are called Primary Auxiliaries. When helping verbs are used to express the mode or action, they are called Modals.
- You shall have a holiday tomorrow. (Simple Future)
- We should obey our elders. (Obligation)
- I can play the piano. (Ability)
- Could you open the window, please? (Request).
In the above examples, the modals indicate the expressions given in brackets. There are other modals that are used for expressions.
Study the given table carefully and do the activities that follow.
| Modals less definite to more definite | Expressions |
| can, could | ability |
| should | advise, obligation |
| shall, will | futurity, determination |
| would | habitual past, request |
| may, might | permission, possibility |
| must, have to | compulsion |
| used to | habitual past |
| ought to | obligation |
| need to | necessity |
| dare to | courage |
(a) Fill in the blanks with appropriate modals according to the situations given in the following sentences.
- Take an umbrella. It _______ rain later.
- People _______ walk on the grass.
- _______ I ask you a question?
- The signal has turned red. You _______ wait.
- I was a sportsperson in my school days. I ________ play badminton.
- I am going to the library. I _______ find my friend there.
(b) Find from the text, the sentences that show past habit.
Write the shortened form of the following.
I would
Write the shortened form of the following.
You are
Write the shortened form of the following.
I had
Write the shortened form of the following.
are not
Write the shortened form of the following.
must not
Study the different uses of ‘could’. Identify what it indicates.
Abhi could perform well in his school days. (suggestion/past ability)
Supply short answer (Pronoun + Auxiliary Verb).
Shall I put the chops on?
