Modal verbs are small helper verbs with a big effect. They don’t say what happens — they say how likely, how necessary or how allowed it is. “You must go”, “you should go” and “you might go” are three very different messages.
What your child will learn
- Recognise the modal verbs can, could, may, might, shall, should, will, would and must
- Choose a modal verb to show possibility, ability, permission, advice or duty
- Put modal verbs in order from least to most certain
- Know that the verb after a modal stays in its plain form
A scale of certainty
Think of a ladder. At the bottom is “might” — perhaps. Higher up is “should” — probably, or a good idea. At the top are “will” and “must” — certain, or required. Choosing the right rung tells the reader exactly how sure you are.
One simple rule
The verb after a modal never changes: she can swim, not “she can swims”; he might go, not “he might went”.
Example questions
Here are a few questions like the ones in the first quest. Can you solve them?
1. Which word fits best? “When I was three, I ___ not ride a bike.”
- will
- must
- can
- could
Show answer
Answer: could. Could is the past form of can: it shows past ability.
2. Which word is a modal verb?
- running
- table
- should
- under
Show answer
Answer: should. Should gives advice or says what is expected.
3. True or false? In “She can swim”, the word “can” is a modal verb.
Show answer
Answer: True. Can helps the main verb swim and shows ability.
Tips for grown-ups
- Talk about the weather: “It might rain. It will get dark. We should take coats.”
- Rewrite a rule three ways — with must, should and could — and discuss the difference.
- Spot modal verbs on signs and instructions.