🔑 Key Concept:

Modal verbs (like can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, must) are used to express possibility, ability, permission, necessity, and other related meanings. Forming negative questions with these verbs involves placing not after the modal verb in question form.

🌟 Structured Breakdown

1. General Formula

A question with a modal verb in the negative typically follows this structure:

Alternatively, in contracted form:

2. Examples

• Full Form:
  • Can she not join us later?
  • Should they not help us with this task?
• Contracted Form:
  • Can’t she join us later?
  • Shouldn’t they help us with this task?

3. Common Uses

• Expressing surprise or disbelief:
  • Could you not find a better solution?
  • Would they not consider our suggestion?
• Making polite suggestions:
  • Shouldn’t we try a different approach?
  • Mightn’t they appreciate some help?

🎭 Analogy

Think of forming negative questions with modal verbs as a puzzle 🧩. The modal verb is the frame, and not is the piece you place inside it to show doubt, surprise, or a polite nudge.

📝 Practice Time!

Fill in the blanks with the correct negative modal question form:

1. ________ (he/can) not complete the assignment on time?
2. ________ (we/should) not take this opportunity to improve?
3. ________ (she/may) not consider other options before deciding?
4. ________ (they/would) not prefer a quieter setting?

✅ Answers:

1. Can he not complete the assignment on time?
2. Shouldn’t we take this opportunity to improve?
3. Mightn’t she consider other options before deciding?
4. Wouldn’t they prefer a quieter setting?