Skip to main content
Super TutorResources
Chapter 5 of 24
Syllabus

Verbs: Modals — Syllabus

ICSE · Class 8 · English Language: Grammar and Composition

What Verbs: Modals covers in ICSE Class 8 English Language: Grammar and Composition: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

42 questions24 flashcards3 formulas & key relations5 concepts

Interactive on Super Tutor

Studying Verbs: Modals? Get the full interactive chapter.

Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for syllabus and more.

Try Super Tutor — Free

Free trial, no card needed.

4 Topics · ICSE Class 8 English Language: Grammar and Composition · 2026-27

Topics in Verbs: Modals

1

1. What Modals Are

  • The most commonly used modals are can, could, may, might, will, would, shall, should, must, ought to, need, and dare.
  • Modals are used to express the mood or attitude of the speaker.
  • Modals are also called modal auxiliaries.
2

2. Asking for and Giving Permission

  • Can is informal.
  • May is formal.
  • Could is very polite.
3

3. Asking for Things and Making Requests

  • Can and could are more usual than will and would for making requests.
  • Could and would are more polite than can and will.
  • May is possible, but it is very formal and not preferred in ordinary requests.
4

4. Possibility and Ability

  • Can is used to say something is possible or that somebody has the ability to do something.
  • Can has only two forms: can and could.
  • Can is used for present ability and could for past ability.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Modals as auxiliary verbs that express mood, attitude, permission, possibility, necessity, advice, promise, request, prohibition, wish, absence of necessity, and dare

Definition of modalsPermissionRequestsPossibility and abilityCould and could havePossibility scaleNecessity and compulsionProhibition and no need

Work through every topic in Verbs: Modals with notes and quizzes

Start This Chapter

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Verbs: Modals for ICSE Class 8 English Language: Grammar and Composition?
Key topics in Verbs: Modals include What Modals Are, Asking for and Giving Permission, Asking for Things and Making Requests, Possibility and Ability. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 8 exams.
How should I revise Verbs: Modals for Class 8 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 42 practice questions on Verbs: Modals. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for Verbs: Modals

All ICSE Class 8 English Language: Grammar and Composition Syllabus

For serious students

Get the full Verbs: Modals chapter — start free.

Quizzes, flashcards, an AI doubt solver and a study plan for ICSE Class 8 English Language: Grammar and Composition. Free to start, no card needed.

Try Super Tutor Free
Try this chapter free