Lesson On Verbs: PART 2 : What Are MODAL VERBS? English Grammar Rules of Use & Examples

A Detailed Lesson On Verbs : MODALS – Usage, and Examples

Verbs play a crucial role in forming sentences, and among them, modal verbs hold a special place. Modals are auxiliary (helping) verbs that express ability, possibility, necessity, permission, obligation, and probability. Words like can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would fall into this category. In this lesson, we will take a closer look at modals, their meanings, correct usage in sentences, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you are a student learning grammar or someone looking to improve their English skills, this guide will provide a clear and detailed understanding of modal verbs.

WHAT IS MODAL VERB?

Modal verbs হলো একধরনের helping verbs যেগুলো main verb কে support করে এবং আলাদা sense দেয়— যেমন ability, possibility, necessity, permission, obligation ইত্যাদি বোঝায়।
Common modal verbs হলো: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would।

👉 Example:

• She can swim. (সে সাঁতার পারে — ability)

• We must study. (আমাদের পড়তেই হবে — necessity/obligation)

• You may go now. (তুমি এখন যেতে পারো — permission)

Note: Modal verbs subject অনুযায়ী change হয় না। যেমন আমরা বলি He can (He cans নয় )।

এখানে ভীষণ সহজ করে সব থেকে বেশি ব্যবহৃত Modal Verb গুলো কোথায় - কিভাবে ব্যবহার করতে হয় তা দেখানো হল। Understand Modal Verb easily in English...

What Are Modal Verbs? English Grammar Rules of Use & Examples:

CAN

[1] সামর্থ্য বোঝাতে [to express ability]  / কোনো কিছু পারা 

The baby can walk. শিশুটি হাঁটতে পারে।

She can dance. মেয়েটি নাচতে পারে।

[2] অনুমতি নিতে [to take permission]

Can I take your book? তোমার বইখানি নিতে পারি?

Can I ask a question? একটা প্রশ্ন করতে পারি?

[3] অনুমতি দিতে [to give permission]

You can take it. (তুমি এটি নিতে পার।)

You can go now. (তুমি এখন যেতে পার।)

[4] অনুরোধ বা আবেদনে (to make requests)

Can you wait for a moment? (একটু অপেক্ষা করতে পারবে?)

Can you give me a lift? (তোমার গাড়িতে আমায় নিতে পারবে?)

Can I have a cup of tea? (আমি এক কাপ চা পেতে পারি?)

[5] সাহায্য করতে চাইতে [to offer to do something]

Can I help you, madam? (আপনাকে সাহায্য করতে পারি?)

Can I get you a cup of coffee? (আপনাকে কফি দিতে পারি?)

[6] অসামর্থ্যতা জানাতে (to express inability) (negative sentence-এ)

I can't wait. (আমি দেরি করতে পারি না।)

We cannot buy happiness. (আমরা সুখ কিনতে পারি না।)

[6] A Strong Possibility / জোরালো সম্ভাবনা

She can come today. (সে আজকে আসতে পারে।)

It may rain very soon. (খুব শীঘ্রই বৃষ্টি হবে।)

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COULD

[1] Can-এর past form/অতীতে কিছু করতে পারত

She could speak English at the age of six.( সে ছ-বছর বয়সে ইংরেজি বলতে পারত।)

[2] অতীতে কিছু করার সামর্থ্য বোঝাতে (to express past abilities)

She could dance in her youth. (যৌবনে তিনি নাচতে পারতেন।)

I could never play the piano. (আমি কখনোই পিয়ানো বাজাতে পারতাম না।)

[3] বর্তমান সম্ভাবনা বোঝাতে to express present possibility][এক্ষেত্রে might-ও ব্যবহার করা চলে।

It could rain. (বৃষ্টি হতে পারে।)

The road could be blocked. (রাস্তাটি আটকা থাকতে পারে।)

[4] বিনম্র অনুরোধ [making polite request] (used to tell present time)

Could I use your phone? (তোমার ফোনটা ব্যবহার করতে পারি?) 

Could you tell me the time? (কটা বেজেছে বলতে পারেন?)

[5] Negative বাক্যে। অতীতে কোনো কাজ করতে সমর্থ হয় নাই।

He could not (couldn't) pass the exam last year. (সে গত বছর পাশ করতে পারেনি।)

MAY

[1] অনুমতি নিতে [to take permission]

May I come in? (ভিতরে আসতে পারি?)

May I have a word with you? (তোমার সঙ্গে কি একটা কথা বলতে পারি?)

[2] অনুমতি দিতে [to give permission]

You may go now. (তুমি এখন যেতে পার।)

You may sit here. (তুমি এখানে বসতে পার।)

[3] সম্ভাবনা বোঝাতে [to express possibility]

It may rain today. (আজ বৃষ্টি হতে পারে।)

He may come tomorrow. (তিনি কাল আসতে পারেন।)

[4] ইচ্ছা বা প্রার্থনা প্রকাশে [to express wish or prayer]

You may live long. (তুমি দীর্ঘজীবি হও।)

May you be happy. (তুমি সুখী হও।)

[5] Doubtful possibility / সন্দেহসূচক সম্ভাবনা 

He may come home today.

It may rain today.

MIGHT

[1] কম সম্ভাবনা বোঝাতে [to express less possibility]

Mother might be in the kitchen. (মা রান্না ঘরে থাকতে পারেন।)

[2] অনুমতি নিতে [to take permission]

Might I use your cycle? (তোমার সাইকেলটা নিতে পারি?)

[3] অনুমতি দিতে [to give permission]

The students might leave the school early. (ছাত্রেরা বিদ্যালয় আগে ছেড়ে যেতে পারে।)

[4] বিনম্র আবেদনে [polite appeal]

You might help him. (তাকে সাহায্য করতে পারতে।)

You might offer her a cup of tea. (তাকে এক কাপ চা দিতে পারতে।)

[5] Past form of "May" / May-এর অতীত কাল বা past tense বোঝায় 

She might have gone to the party. (সে পার্টিতে যেতে পারতো।)

He said he might attend the meeting. (সে বলেছিলো সে মিটিংয়ে যেতে পারে।)

*May ও might অনিশ্চয়তা বোঝায়। might অধিকতর অনিশ্চয়তা বোঝায় 

*might go = could have gone [ যেতে পারত ]

Will

[1] ভবিষ্যতের কাজ বোঝাতে [for future action] Simple Future (after 2nd and 3rd person) / সাধারণ ভবিষ্যৎ (দ্বিতীয় আর তৃতীয় পুরুষ-এর পর) 

He will come tomorrow. (তিনি কাল আসবেন।)

They will arrive soon. (তারা এক্ষুনি আসবেন।)

[2] জোর দিয়ে বলতে [with 1st person]

I will overcome it. (আমি অবশ্যই এটা কাটিয়ে উঠব।)

[3]‌ অনুরোধ করতে [making requests]

Will you close the window? (জানালাটি কি বন্ধ করবে?)

Will you please post the letter? (চিঠিটা দয়া করে পোস্ট করবে?)

[4] সাহায্য করতে চাইতে [offering help]

I'll help you to do it. (আমি তোমায় এটা করতে সাহায্য করব।)

I'll post that letter for you. (তোমার চিঠিটা পোস্ট করে দেব।)

[5] আদেশ করতে [giving orders]

Will you be quiet! (একটু চুপ করবে!)

All students will attend. (সব ছাত্রই যোগ দেবে।)

[6] নিত্য সত্য বোঝাতে [describing truth]

Oil will float on water. (তেল জলে ভাসবে।)

Children will love their mother. (শিশুরা মাকে ভালবাসবে।)

[7] সম্মতি জানাতে [agreeing]

I will certainly do. (অবশ্যই করব।) 

I will if I have time. (সময় পেলে অবশ্য করব।) [এক্ষেত্রে main verb "do" উহ্য।]

[৪] অসম্মতি বোঝাতে [refusing something] Negative বাক্যে (will not = won't)

I won't do that work. (আমি ও কাজটা করব না।)

She won't tell me. (মেয়েটি আমায় বলবে না।)

WOULD

[1] Will-এর Past form / will-এর অতীত কাল বা past tense বোঝায় - 

They would have done their duties.

They thought that they would win.

• indirect narration-এ ব্যবহার

He said that he would lend me money.(সে বলেছিল সে আমায় টাকা ধার দেবে।) 

[2] অতীতের নৈমিত্তিক কাজে [past practice] অতীতে কোনো কাজ হত বোঝাতে

Grandmother would tell us stories. (ঠাকুমা আমাদের গল্প বলতেন।)

She would spend hours the wash. (তিনি ঘণ্টা ধরে স্নানের ঘরে কাটাতেন।)

He would swim in the river for an hour daily. (সে প্রতিদিন একঘন্টা ধরে নদীতে সাঁতার কাটতো।)

[3] বিনীত অনুরোধ [polite request]

Would you please pass the salt? (নুনটা একটু এগিয়ে দেবেন?)

Would you kindly help me? (আপনি দয়া করে আমাকে একটু সাহায্য করবেন?)

Would you like coffee? (আপনি কফি খাবেন/নেবেন?)

[4] আমন্ত্রণে [offer or invitation]

Would you have it? (তুমি কি এটি নেবে?)

[5] Negative বাক্যে (would not = wouldn't)

The baby would not go to sleep. (শিশুটি ঘুমোতে চাইছিল না।)

[6] Unreal condition / অস্বাভাবিক শর্ত/অবস্থা 

I would travel the world if I had the money. (condition)

Determination বা দৃঢ়প্রতিজ্ঞ, suggestion বা পরামর্শ , polite request বা বিনীত অনুরোধ , wish or desire বা ইচ্ছা 

SHALL

[1] Simple Future (after 1st person) / সাধারণ ভবিষ্যৎ বোঝাতে (প্রথম পুরুষ-এর পর) 

I shall go today. (আমি আজ যাব।)

We shall go there tomorrow. (আমরা কাল সেখানে যাব।)

I shall be nineteen next month. (পরের মাসে আমি উনিশে পড়বো।)

[2] অনুমতি চাইতে [asking permission]

Shall I come in? (ভিতরে আসতে পারি?)  -  [not, will Ⅰ]

Shall I join you? (তোমার সঙ্গে যোগ দিতে পারি?)

[3] জোর দিয়ে বলতে [emphasising(with 3rd person)]

He shall not enter my room. (সে অবশ্যই আমার ঘরে ঢুকবে না।)

Candidates shall remain in their seats. (প্রার্থীরা তারা তাদের বসার জায়গাতেই থাকবে।)

[4] পরামর্শ চাইতে [asking suggestion]

Shall we take our umbrella? (আমরা কি আমাদের ছাতাটা নেব?)

[5] Negative বাক্যে (shall not = shan't)

You shall not (shan't) do it again. তুমি এটা আর করবে না।

• [ প্রশ্ন বাক্যে I/we-এর আগে অবশ্য shall বসবে-will নয় ]

ভবিষ্যতের কোনো কাজ জোর দিয়ে বোঝাতে বা ভয় দিতে, প্রতিজ্ঞা, আদেশ বোঝাতে / Threat, promise, determination, command for 2nd & 3rd person. -You shall do it. 

SHOULD

[1] Past tense of 'Shall' / 'Shall'--এর অতীত কাল বা past tense বোঝায়

We should have gone there. (আমরা সেখানে যেতে পারতাম।)

Shall- past form [narration করতে]

She wanted that I should apologise to her. (তিনি চাইলেন যে আমি তার কাছে ক্ষমা চাই।)

[2] উপদেশ দিতে [to advise] / duty, obligation / কর্তব্য, উচিৎ 

You should obey your parents. (তোমার মা-বাবাকে মান্য করা উচিত।)

You should go for morning walk. (তোমার সকালে হাঁটতে যাওয়া উচিত।)

You should watch the traffic light. (তোমার ট্রাফিক লাইটের দিকে খেয়াল রাখা উচিত।)

[3] পরামর্শ দিতে [for suggesting]

You should consult a doctor. (তোমার ডাক্তার দেখানো উচিত।)

We should make a preparation. (আমাদের প্রস্তুতি শুরু করা উচিত।)

[4] পরামর্শ নিতে [take suggestion]

Should I ask her to tea? (মেয়েটিকে চা খেতে বলব?)

[5] Negative বাক্যে (should not - shouldn't)

You should not (shouldn't) lie. (তোমার মিথ্যা বলা উচিত নয়।)

OUGHT TO

[=should]

[1] নৈতিক কর্তব্য বোঝাতে [moral duty]

We ought to speak the truth. আমাদের সত্য কথা বলা উচিত। 

You ought to use the zebra crossing.

You ought to help your neighbours.

[2] পরামর্শে [for suggesting]

She ought to take some rest. তার বিশ্রাম নেওয়া উচিত। 

You ought to eat less. তোমার কম খাওয়া উচিত।

[3] Strong Possibility / জোরালো সম্ভাবনা 

He ought to be there by now. (এতক্ষণে সে বোধ হয় এখানে এসে গেছে।)

She ought to pass the exam with her preparation. (তার যা প্রস্তুতি সে নিশ্চই পরীক্ষায় পাস্ করে যাবে।)

NB.: Should is much more common than 'ought to'.

MUST

have to

[1] কর্তব্য বোঝাতে [to express duty]

One must do one's duty. (একজনকে তার কাজ অবশ্যই করতেই হবে।)

You must obey your teachers. (তুমি অবশ্যই তোমার শিক্ষকে সন্মান করবে।)

[2] জোর দিয়ে বলতে [to emphasise]

You must leave at once. (তুমি অবশ্যই এক্ষুনি চলে যাবে।) 

Must you make much noise? (তোমার কি আওয়াজ করতেই হবে?)

[3] নিশ্চয়তা বোঝাতে [express certainty]

Man must die. (মানুষ অবশ্যই মরবে।)

Pride must bring fall. (অহংকার অবশ্যই পতন আনবে।)

[4] বেশি সম্ভাবনা বোঝাতে [to express strong likelihood]

They must be twins. তারা নিশ্চই যমজ।

[5] সিদ্ধান্তে [deduction (i.e. conclusion)]

The dog must be mad. (কুকুরটা নিশ্চই পাগল।)

[6] Negative বাক্যে [must not/mustn't]

We must not act foolishly. (আমরা অবশ্যই বোকার মতো কাজ করব না।)

[7] Determination - I must get this job, no matter what. (Determination)

[8] Prohibition  - You must not enter this area without permission.

USED TO

[1] অতীতের প্রতিদিনের অভ্যাস বোঝাতে [Regular habit in the past]

He used to walk early in the morning (সে রোজ সকালে বেড়াতো।)

She used to get up early enough. (সে যথেষ্ট ভোরে উঠত।)

The boys used to play here every afternoon. (প্রত্যেকদিন বিকালে ছেলেরা এখানে খেলত|)

Her father used to take her to the school everyday. (তার বাবা রোজ তাকে স্কুলে নিয়ে যেতেন।)

• Need and Dare - Semi Modal

NEED

Necessary / প্রয়োজন - Auxiliary : You need to talk to me.

                                Principal : He needed the food.

DARE 

সাহস করা - Auxiliary : How dare you enter the danger zone?

                Principal : He dared to jump into the lake.

List of modal verbs:

Shall, will, would, should, can, could, may, might, must, right to, used to, need, dare, has/had/have to etc. 

Things to remember: 

1. Modals cannot be used as main verbs or as independent Primary Auxiliaries.

[Modals কে main verbs হিসেবে বা independent Primary Auxiliaries হিসেবে ব্যবহার করা যাবে না।]

2. Modals express ability, power, possibility, willingness, certainty, right or wrong, → that are imaginary action not real action of present.

[Modals ক্ষমতা, সম্ভাবনা, ইচ্ছা, নিশ্চিততা, সঠিক বা ভুল প্রকাশ করে, → যা বর্তমানের বাস্তব ক্রিয়া নয়, কাল্পনিক ক্রিয়া।]

3. Medals do not come alone. They always take 1st form of verb with them the least.

[Medals একা বসে না। তারা সর্বদা তাদের সাথে ক্রিয়াপদের 1st formটি নিয়ে বসে।] 

(Ex: You may go. He might forget. I shall come.) etc.

4. They cannot be used in all tenses.

[এগুলি সব tense-এ ব্যবহার করা যাবে না।]

5. Modals do not have the infinitive, or participles.

[Modals এর infinitive বা participle থাকে না।]

6. Modal never affected by the person, number and gender of the subject.

[Modal কখনই বিষয়ের Person, Number এবং Gender দ্বারা প্রভাবিত হয় না। সব ক্ষেত্রে এর ফর্ম একই থাকে।]

• "Should and Should have".

i) 'Should' and 'ought to' is used in all persons to denote an action which one is obliged to do in the present or in future.  

ii) 'should have' or 'ought to have' is used in all persons to indicate an action which one was obliged to do in the past.

['Should' and 'ought to' ভবিষ্যতের কথা বলে 

'Should have' and 'ought to have' অতীতের কাজ বোঝায় ]

EASY RIGHT? 

Modals Exercises with Answers 

Modal Verbs Exercises :

[A] Rewrite the following as directed. 

[1] I give you permission to go now. (use may)

[2] He is able to jump over the wall. (use can)

[3] It is your duty to obey your teachers. (use should/ought to)

[4] It is essential for you to reach the office by nine. (use must)

[5] She is not in a position to lend me some money. (use can't)

[6] It is not necessary for you to help me. (use needn't)

[7] It is your duty not to support the corrupt. (use must not)

[8] You have no power to purchase me. (use cannot)

[9] It is good for children to take some milk. (use should/ought to)

[10] He was never able to draw well. (use could)

Fill in the blanks with models more than one model might be used in the same blank.

[ May, could, should, must, used to, ought to ]

1. He _______ come today.
2. you _______ not hate him 
3. you _______ take it if it is yours.
4. We _________ read an English daily.
5. she _________ do it now.
6. ________ I use your phone?
7. ________ I speak to your sister?
8. you _________ not tell a lie 
9. you ________ not disturb her 
10. he ______ play with you now.
11. You ___________ not smoke. 
12. ___________ I ask your favour ? 
13. I ___________ be poor but I am honest.
14. he _______ play well when he wants to.
15. She _____ come to your help.
16. you ______ find it hard at first.
17. he _____ jump from a great height.
18. you _____ call her 'sister' 
19. I _______ walk daily in the morning.
20. he _____ not do this easy sum.

Fill in the blanks with 'may' 'can' or 'can't' 'must not'

1. Student : __________ I come in, Sir?

Teacher : Yes, You _______. But you __________ go out again.

2. Arun : ________ you do it for me?

Barun : No, I ________, I am going out.

3. Teacher : __________ you translate it?

Student : Yes, I _________.

4. He : I am tired, I ___________ go out to drive today.

She : Well, you ______ lie down.

5. Maid : _______ I go home now, Madam?

Madam: Yes, you _____, if you want.

6. Amal : You __________ go today, It is raining.

Bimal : But, I _________. My school opens tomorrow.

Rewrite the sentence using model verbs

1. You have no money to buy happiness.
2. It is your duty to obey your teachers.
3. it is possible that it will rain today.
4. we are able to guide you in the regards.
5. it is our duty to help the poor. 
6. I give you permission to use my phone. 
7. it is essential for us to do the homework. 
8. it is necessary for you to do it now.
9. she is able to type swiftly. 
10. you are not required to help him.

Translate to English:

1. তুমি ভিতরে আসতে পার। 
2. সে ইংরাজি বলতে পারে। 
3. আজ বৃষ্টি হতে পারে। 
4. তিনি অবশ্য তোমায় সাহায্য করবেন। 
5. তোমার এই অংকটি করা উচিত। 
6. আমি কি এটা করতে পারতাম ?
7. সকলের সত্য কথা বলা উচিত। 
8. আমার একটু উপকার করবেন কি ?
9. তুমি কি এখন যাবে না ?
10. মানুষ একদিন মরবে। 
11. সে জোরে দৌড়াতে পারে। 
12. তোমরা কখনও মিথ্যা বলবে না। 
13. সে তোমাকে সাহায্য করতে পারে কি ?
14. তোমার অপেক্ষা করা উচিত নয়। 
15. আমি কি ছবি আঁকতে পারি না ?
16. তিনি আজ আসতে পারেন। 
17. ছাত্রদের মনোযোগী হওয়া উচিত। 
18. তুমি করতেও পার নাও করতে পার। 
19. তোমার কি সৎ হওয়া উচিত নয় ?
20. আমি দেশের জন্য কিছু করতে পারি। 

Modal verbs ANSWERS:

Fill in the blanks with modals (more than one modal may be used in the same blank):

1. He may/could come today.

2. You should/must/ought to not hate him.

3. You may/must/should take it if it is yours.

4. We should/must/ought to read an English daily.

5. She must/should/could do it now.

6. May/Can I use your phone?

7. May/Can I speak to your sister?

8. You must/should/ought to not tell a lie.

9. You must/should/ought to not disturb her.

10. He may/can play with you now.

11. You must/should/ought to not smoke.

12. May/Can I ask your favor?

13. I may/could be poor, but I am honest.

14. He can/could play well when he wants to.

15. She may/might/could come to your help.

16. You may/might/could find it hard at first.

17. He can/could/may jump from a great height.

18. You should/must/ought to call her 'sister.'

19. I should/must/ought to walk daily in the morning.

20. He cannot/may not do this easy sum.

---

Fill in the blanks with 'may,' 'can,' 'can't,' or 'must not':

1. Student: May I come in, Sir?
   Teacher: Yes, you can. But you must not go out again.

2. Arun: Can you do it for me?
   Barun: No, I can't. I am going out.

3. Teacher: Can you translate it?
   Student: Yes, I can.

4. He: I am tired. I can't go out to drive today.
   She: Well, you may lie down.

5. Maid: May I go home now, Madam?
   Madam: Yes, you can, if you want.

6. Amal: You must not go today. It is raining.
   Bimal: But, I must. My school opens tomorrow.

---

Rewrite the sentences using modal verbs:

1. You can't buy happiness.

2. You must/should/ought to obey your teachers.

3. It may/might/could rain today.

4. We can guide you in this regard.

5. We must/should/ought to help the poor.

6. You may/can use my phone.

7. We must/should do the homework.

8. You must/should do it now.

9. She can type swiftly.

10. You don’t have to help him.

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost - Q-A easy for students

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" Questions & Answers 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost হলো English literature-এর সবচেয়ে সুন্দর আর জনপ্রিয় poems-এর মধ্যে একটি। এই কবিতায় কবি এক অভিজ্ঞতা বর্ণনা করেছেন, যেখানে বক্তা বরফে ঢাকা শান্ত অরণ্যের সৌন্দর্যে মুগ্ধ হয়। কিন্তু সেই সঙ্গে কবিতা আমাদের মনে করিয়ে দেয় যে life-এ অনেক duties, promises, and responsibilities রয়েছে, যেগুলো শেষ না করে থামা যায় না।
এই পোস্টে তোমরা পাবে সহজভাবে লেখা Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening summary, analysis, notes, এবং important question-answers, যা students দের জন্য খুবই helpful হবে exam preparation এর সময়।

"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" Reference to the context.

"His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here"

a. Who is the speaker? (1)

b. Whose house is in the village? (1)

c. Where has the speaker stopped? (1)

d. Who is with the speaker? (1)

Answer: 

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. The poet is the speaker.

b. The house in the village is of the person whose woods the speaker is passing through.

c. The speaker has stopped in the woods.

d. The speaker is accompanied by his horse.

"Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow"

a. Who does "I" refer to? (1)

b. Where is the house? (1)

c. Who lives in the village? (1)

d. Pick out the rhyming words from the above lines. (1)

e. Identify the rhyme scheme of the above stanza. (1)

f. Identify the figure of speech used in the 4th line. (1)

g. Pick out the alliterated words in the 1st and 2nd line. (1)

Answer: 

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. 'I' refer to the poet.

b. The house is in the village.

c. The owner of the woods resides in a house in the village.

d. The rhythmic words in the above lines are : know - though - snow.

e. The rhythmic scheme of above stanza is : "aaba".

f. The figure of speech used in the 4th line is Hyperbole.

g. Alliterated words in :

1st line = these - think, 2nd line = see - stopping

"My little horse must think it queer"

a. Whose little horse is being referred to here? (1)

b. Where are the speaker and the horse? (1)

c. What must the horse find queer? (1)

d. Compare the response of the horse and that of the traveller. (2)

Answer: 

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. The poet’s horse is being referred here.

b. The speaker and the horse are passing through the woods.

c. The horse must find it queer for the speaker to stop by the woods on a snowy evening without any nearby farmhouse.

d. The horse finds it queer or strange that the speaker has stopped by the woods on a snowy evening, but the speaker is charmed by the beauty of the woods. He could not help but stop and admire the snowy night.

"He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake."

a. Who gives his harness bells a shake? (1)

b. Why does ‘he’ think there is some mistake? (1)

c. Where is ‘he’? (1)

d. What can we infer about the weather from these lines? (1)

Answers:

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. The horse gives his harness bells a shake.

b. He thinks that his master has stopped by the woods because of some mistake because there was no farmhouse close by. 

c. He is with his master in the middle of the woods, beside the frozen lake.

d. The weather is cold and ‘downy flake’ suggests that it has begun to snow.

"He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow."

a. Whom does ‘he’ refer to? (1)

b. Identify the season in these lines. (1)

Answer: 

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. He refers to the owner of the woods.

b. It is a winter season.

"My little horse must think it queer 

To stop without a farmhouse near"

a. Who is the speaker? (1)

b. Why should the horse think it queer? (1)

c. Pick out the rhyming words. (1)

Answer: 

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. The poet is the speaker.

b. The horse thought it queer because there was no farmhouse near.

c. The rhyming words are : "queer, near"

"He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake."

a. Whom does ‘he’ refer to in these lines? (1)

b. Why does ‘he’ give his harness bells a shake? (1)

c. How does the horse communicate with the poet? (1)

Answer:

The lines are taken from "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. He refers to the horse.

b. He gives his harness bells a shake to get his master's attention. As if he wanted to ask if his master has stopped because of some mistake. 

c. The horse communicates with the sound of the bells.

"My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year"

a. Where was the poet? (1)

b. What was the evening like? Why? (1)

c. Where has the horse stopped? (1)

d. What is meant by queer? (1)

e. Why did the horse think it queer? (1)

f. Pick out the rhyming words from the above lines. (1)

g. Identify the rhyme scheme of the above stanza. (1)

h. What is the figure of speech used in the first line? (1)

Answer:

a. The poet was between the woods and the frozen lake.

b. It was the darkest evening, because it was winter season.

c. The horse has stopped between the woods and the frozen lake.

d. 'Queer' means 'strange.'

e. As there was no farm house to take rest, the horse should think it queer to stop in the middle of the woods.

f. The rhythmic words in the line are : queer - near - year

g. The rhythmic scheme of above stanza is : "aaba"

h. The figure of speech used in the 1st line is: Personification

"He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake"

a. What does "he" refer to here? (1)

b. How did the horse react? (1)

c. Describe the sound in the poem. (1)

d. What does sweep mean? (1)

e. What does "downy flake" mean? (1)

f. Pick out the rhyming words from the above lines. (1)

g. Identify the rhyme scheme of the above stanza. (1)

h. What is the figure of speech used in the first line? (1)

i. Pick out the alliterated words in the first line. (1)

Answer:

a. Here, 'he' refers to the horse.

b. The horse shook its harness bell.

c. In the poem, there are sound of harness bells, wind blowing and the falling of the snow flakes.

d. Sweep means soft and gentle.

e. 'Downy flake' means soft snow crystals.

f. The rhythmic words in the line are : shake - mistake - fake

g. The rhythmic scheme of above stanza is : "aaba"

h. The figure of speech used in the 1st line is: Personification

i. Alliterated words in the first line are: dark - deep

 

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep "

a. How were the woods? (1)

b. What are the promises that the poet has to keep up? (1)

c. Pick out the rhyming words from the above lines. (1)

d. Identify the rhyme scheme of the above stanza.(1)

e. What is the figure of speech used in the last two lines?(1)

f. Pick out the alliterated words in the first line.(1)

g. Whom does ‘I’ refer to? (1)

Answer: 

a. The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

b. The poet has to keep up his duties and responsibilities.

c. The rhythmic words in the line are : deep - keep, sleep - sleep

d. The rhythmic scheme of above stanza is : "aaaa"

e. The figure of speech used in the 1st line is: Repetition

f. Alliterated words in the first line are: dark - deep

g. 'I' refer to the poet.

"And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep."

a. Why the poet has used the same line twice? (1)

b. Explain: Miles to go before I sleep. (2/3)

c. What does the sleep signifies in the poem? (1)

Answer: 

The quoted lines are taken from the poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost.

a. The poet has repeated the last line to make a strong claim.

b. The repeated line “Miles to go before I sleep” is used in symbolic meaning. On the surface, it means the speaker has a long distance to travel before resting for the night. However, the “miles” stand for the many duties, responsibilities, and commitments he must complete, while “sleep” suggests the eternal sleep, or death. The poet reminds himself that before his final rest, he has to fulfil his obligations in life.

c. Here, in the poem, 'sleep' signifies the 'eternal sleep' or 'death'.

"He gives his harness bells a shake .........of easy wind and downy flake."

What does "He" refer to?

Answer: "He" refers to the speaker's horse.

Why does he give his bell a shake ?

Answer: The speaker's horse gave his bell a shake to ask his master if he has made some mistake by stopping at the woods. He found it strange and was confused as why his master has stopped in empty place where there is no farmhouse near to rest.

What are the sounds that the speaker hears in the woods?

Answer: In the wood, the speaker hears the sound of his horse's harness bells and apart from that the sound of the swapping wind and falling snowflakes. 

What effect does the silence have on the speaker?

Answer: Silence creates a serene ambience that enchants the speaker and stops him from moving ahead to his destination.

What does the line "to ask if there is some mistake" mean?

Answer: The line means that the horse wanted to ask his master if he has committed some mistake by stopping at the woods. he was finding it strange and was confused as why his master is stopped at an isolated place where there is no farmhouse nearby to rest.

Why did the horse consider it a "mistake" to stop by woods? Explain its symbolic meaning. 

Answer: This is because the woods are away from society and civilization and the speaker is getting his worldly responsibilities by indulging in sensual pleasures of nature.

"The woods are lovely, .................And miles to go before I sleep"

Why does the poet consider the woods as lovely, dark and deep?

Answer: The poet describes the woods as “lovely, dark and deep” because the woods covered in snow look enchanting and peaceful, offering a sense of calm and escape from daily life. At the same time, their darkness and depth suggest the unknown, the eternal rest, or even the temptation to forget worldly duties.

Why cant the speaker enjoy the natural scenery in the woods ?

Answer: the speaker can't enjoy the national scenery in the woods because he is reminded of the duties and responsibilities which he has towards himself and others he has to fulfil.

The speaker is talking about what promises ?

Answer: the speaker is talking about the duties and responsibilities which he has towards himself and others he needs to take care of many commitments and compulsions and before embracing a long sleep which is death he wants to fulfil those duties and responsibilities.

• "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" Questions and Answers

“He will not see me stopping here” – what does this expression mean? (1)

Answer: The expression ‘He will not see me stopping here’ means the owner of the woods living in the village will not see the poet stopping by the woods.

Why does the horse give his harness bells a shake? Explain. (3)

Answer: The poet, riding across the countryside, stops by snow-wrapped woods. The horse is accustomed to stopping at farmhouses, but on the present occasion, he finds it strange that though his master has stopped, there is no farmhouse nearby. Therefore, the horse gives his harness bells a shake as if to ask whether his master has stopped there by mistake.

What is ‘the only other sound’ besides that of harness bells?

Answer: The only other sound besides the harness bells is the sound of easily flowing wind and falling snow.

Where does the owner of the woods live?

Answers: The owner of the woods lives in a village.

‘He will not see me stopping here.’ Who is ‘He’ here?

Answer: Here ‘he’ is the owner of the woods.

Describe the woods.

Answer: Robert Frost gives a beautiful description of the woods. They are lovely, dark, and deep. The sight of the woods being gradually covered with snow is so fascinating that the poet would like to watch it a little longer. The woods are outside the village and their owner does not live here. The poet knows him. Woods that constitute the essence of the poem suggests perilous enchantment.

What is the theme of the poem?

Answer: The theme of the poem lies in the speaker’s delight in contemplating the woods filling up with snow seems to him to be an abandonment of his responsibilities when he realizes that he has an appointment to keep with death.

Explain the significance of the repetition of :

‘And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.’

Answer: The repetition of these lines carries deep significance, showing the poet’s firm resolve. He is aware that death marks the end of life, yet he cannot help but be charmed by the beauty of the woods. He reminds himself of his life’s promises, his responsibilities, and the journey to complete before finding rest. This repetition emphasizes both his determination and the intensity of his feelings.

Who is referred to as "his"?

Answer: The owner of the woods is referred to as "his".

Why does the speaker stop by the woods?

Answer: The speaker stops by the woods to observe the natural beauty and snowfall in the woods. He wanted to enjoy the calmness of the dark, deep, lovely woods.

Write the meaning of the word "woods"?

Answer: Woods is an area of land which is smaller than a forest and is covered with a thick growth of trees. 

Why does the speaker think he knows the owner?

Answer: The speaker thinks he knows the owner of the woods because he might have seen him before. Since he travels a lot, he may have met the owner sometime in the past and remembers him a little.

To whom did the woods belong and why will he not be able to see the speaker stopping by in his woods?

Answer: The woods belong to a man who lives in the village. Since he stays away from the woods, he cannot see the speaker stopping there. Also, as it was a cold and dark night, the owner was most likely at home. 

Do you think the speaker is happy standing in the woods? 

Answer: Yes, the speaker is happy standing in the woods. Nobody is there to watch him, and he finds peace in his thoughts. He enjoys the natural beauty of the woods, the frozen lake, and the snow. For him, it feels like an escape from life’s responsibilities and a way to blend with nature.

What do the words "Woods" and "Village" symbolise?

Answer: In the poem, “Woods” symbolize peace, beauty, mystery, and even the attraction of eternal rest or death. They represent the temptation to escape from worldly duties. On the other hand, the “Village” stands for human society, responsibilities, and obligations of daily life that the poet cannot ignore.

Where and why did the horse stop ?

Answer: The horse stopped between the woods and the frozen lake because the speaker wanted to see the beauty of the woods.

Do you think the horse was in support of the speaker's decision to stop?

Answer: No, the horse was not in support of the speaker's decision because he was finding it  strange to stop at a place where there is no farmhouse to rest. moreover he tried to awaken the speaker from his state of awe by shaking his harness bell.

What was poet's feeling in the last stanza?

Answer: In the last stanza, the speaker feels a strong conflict between enjoying the calm, beautiful woods and remembering his duties in life. The quiet forest seems like a tempting escape, but he knows he has many promises to keep, and responsibilities to fulfil. By repeating the final line, the poet shows his inner struggle and the importance of completing his journey before resting or rather before he dies.

Nature's Beauty in the poem.

Answer: The poet describe the beauty of woods with vivid imagery that is covered with white snow. The poet is captivated by it and stopped by the frozen lake to admire its beauty. Snowflakes are falling with the little wind on the coldest evening of the year. The woods are described as 'lovely, dark and deep' suggesting a sense of quite beauty and escape from worldly affair.

Why does the poet use the expressions “dark”, “deep”, “darkest”?

Answer – The poet uses words like dark, deep, and darkest to highlight the mysterious and serious side of the woods. On the surface, these words describe the forest covered with thick snow and shadow. At a deeper level, they symbolize death, the unknown, and the eternal rest that attracts the speaker. These expressions create a contrast between the beauty of nature and the responsibilities of life, adding depth and meaning to the poem.

How do the speaker, the owner of the woods and the horse react to the beauties of nature?

Answer – The speaker is deeply moved by the beauty of the snowy woods and wishes to pause and admire them. The owner of the woods, however, is absent; his concern would be practical, not emotional, as he owns the land but does not stop to enjoy it. The horse reacts with surprise at his master’s unusual halt in the quiet forest, as if questioning why they have stopped in such a lonely place. Thus, while the poet is enchanted by nature’s charm, the owner remains indifferent, and the horse shows only curiosity and impatience.

What picture of natural beauty do you get from the poem?

Answer – The poem presents a beautiful picture of nature in winter. The woods are calm, quiet, and filled with falling snow, creating an image of peace and mystery. The frozen lake, the soft snowfall, and the dark, deep forest together paint a serene yet enchanting scene. This natural beauty fascinates the speaker, offering him a moment of rest and escape from the busy world. Frost’s description makes the woods appear both lovely and thought-provoking, showing the charm of nature in its purest form.

In the final stanza, the speaker says that he is not yet ready to “sleep”. What has he to do before he can take rest?

Answer – In the final stanza, when the speaker says he is not yet ready to sleep, he means that before taking rest he has many duties and responsibilities to fulfil. On the surface, it suggests that he has not yet reached his destination, but on a deeper level, it reflects the journey of human life. The miles ahead symbolize the tasks, goals, and promises that every person must complete, while sleep stands for death, the ultimate rest. The peaceful woods tempt him to stop and escape from responsibilities, but he reminds himself that he cannot do so until his obligations to society, family, and himself are met. The repetition of the final line emphasizes his determination to continue the journey of life before embracing eternal rest.

What does the expression, “The darkest evening of the year”, suggest ? Does it mean ‘the longest night of the year’ or ‘ the most depressing state of his mind’ ? Give a reasoned answer.

Answer – It means ‘the longest night of the year’ as it happened to be winter solstice or peak winter in the location mentioned in the poem. The daytime gets shorter in the winters for the scantiness of sun rays and the period of night time grows.

A four-line stanza is called a quatrain. How many quatrains are there in the poem?

Answer – The poem contains sixteen lines. Sixteen divided by four gives four. So there are four quatrains in the poem.

What does the poet mean by the words 'sleep', 'little horse' and 'farmhouse'?

Ans. The poet has shared deep meanings through the use of simple words. The poet used the word 'sleep' to symbolise that are 'eternal sleep', 'little horse' stands for speaker's common sense or the reminder of his responsibility, 'farmhouse' signifies the civilization society our people which contrasts the woods.

What is the setting of the poem where the speaker stops and narrates his situation?

Answer: The setting where the speaker stops and narrates his situation is middle of a wood and frozen lake in a cold wintry night.

What is the significance of the last stanza in the poem? (5)

Answer: The last stanza holds great significance as it highlights the main message of the poem. The speaker is deeply attracted to the peaceful beauty of the snowy woods, which seem to offer rest and escape. Yet, he realizes that he cannot remain there because he has many duties, promises, and responsibilities to fulfil in life. The repeated line at the end gives a strong effect, showing his determination to complete his journey before resting. It also suggests a deeper meaning — that how he wants to finish life’s obligations before embracing the final rest, which is death.

Theme of Life v/s Death in 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening'.

Answer: In the poem, the woods symbolize death. The darkness, frozen lake, and snow suggest silence, mystery, and the cold force of mortality. The poet accepts that death is inevitable, but he expresses that he is not yet ready to die. In the final stanza he chooses life over death, reminding himself of his promises and duties yet to be fulfilled. The repeated line shows his determination to live on, complete his responsibilities, and face life’s struggles with courage rather than escape into death.

Contrast between society and the natural world (Duty vs Individual Desire) 

Answer: The poem shows a clear contrast between the world of nature and human society. Nature is described as calm, peaceful, and tempting, offering the speaker freedom and rest away from daily life. It seems to lure him with its beauty and silence, far removed from any signs of civilization. On the other hand, society represents duties, responsibilities, and obligations that bind an individual. The speaker feels torn between his desire to remain in the quiet woods and his promises to fulfil towards others. In this way, the poem reflects the broader conflict between personal desires and social responsibilities, finally emphasizing the importance of duty over individual longing.

Thank You~