Pariksha SaathiModal Verbs Questions with Solutions
Modal verbs each carry a specific shade of meaning — obligation, permission, possibility, deduction — and exam questions test exactly that distinction, most often the trap between "must not" (forbidden) and "need not" (no obligation). Here’s the approach, four fully worked examples, and a few to try yourself.
The approach, quickly
- "Must" expresses strong obligation or a confident logical deduction ("she must be tired" = I’m confident this is true, based on evidence).
- "Must not" means forbidden (a prohibition). "Need not" means there’s no obligation either way — these look similar but mean nearly opposite things, and exam questions deliberately test this pair.
- "May" is used for formal permission or a genuine possibility; "might" suggests a weaker, less certain possibility than "may."
- "Should" gives advice or a recommendation — weaker than "must," which is closer to an obligation or a rule.
Worked examples
1. Choose the correct modal: You ___ park here; it is a no-parking zone, so please move your car. (A) must not (B) need not (C) may (D) should
Solution
- The sentence describes a prohibition (a no-parking zone) — "must not" is the correct modal for forbidding something.
Answer: must not
2. Choose the correct modal: You ___ finish this today; there is no urgency, you can do it tomorrow if you prefer. (A) must (B) need not (C) may not (D) should not
Solution
- The sentence describes an absence of obligation ("no urgency"), not a prohibition — "need not" is correct, not "must not."
Answer: need not
3. Choose the correct modal: She has been studying for ten hours straight; she ___ be exhausted by now. (A) can (B) must (C) may (D) should
Solution
- The sentence draws a confident logical conclusion from the evidence given (ten hours of studying) — "must" expresses this kind of near-certain deduction.
Answer: must
4. Choose the correct modal: ___ I open the window? It’s getting a bit warm in here. (A) Must (B) May (C) Should (D) Need
Solution
- This is a formal request for permission — "May" is the standard modal for asking permission.
Answer: May
Try these yourself
Decide whether the sentence needs obligation, prohibition, absence of obligation, or deduction, then check against the answer.
1. Choose the correct modal: All passengers ___ wear seatbelts during takeoff and landing; it is mandatory. (A) might (B) must (C) could (D) would
Answer: must
2. Choose the correct modal: You ___ worry about the results; you did very well in the exam. (A) must not (B) need not (C) may not (D) shall not
Answer: need not
3. Choose the correct modal: The lights are off and the car isn’t in the driveway; they ___ be out. (A) can (B) must (C) need (D) shall
Answer: must
Where this comes up
Modal Verbs is tested directly in the English Language section of every exam Pariksha Saathi covers — SSC CGL, SSC MTS, SSC CHSL, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO and SBI Clerk.
Practice more Modal Verbs questions
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