Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Front

What are modal auxiliary verbs?

Back

Modal auxiliary verbs are helping verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'can' express?

Back

'Can' expresses ability or possibility. For example, 'I can swim' means I have the ability to swim.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'might' indicate?

Back

'Might' indicates a possibility that is less certain than 'may'. For example, 'I might go to the party' suggests that going is a possibility, but not guaranteed.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'must' imply?

Back

'Must' implies necessity or obligation. For example, 'You must finish your homework' means it is necessary to finish the homework.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'should' suggest?

Back

'Should' suggests a recommendation or advice. For example, 'You should eat healthy food' means it is advisable to eat healthy.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'would' express?

Back

'Would' is used to express a hypothetical situation or a polite request. For example, 'I would like some ice cream' is a polite way to ask for ice cream.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you use 'could'?

Back

'Could' is used to express past ability or a polite request. For example, 'I could swim when I was younger' indicates past ability.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is the difference between 'may' and 'might'?

Back

'May' suggests a higher possibility than 'might'. For example, 'It may rain tomorrow' is more certain than 'It might rain tomorrow'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Give an example of a sentence using 'can'.

Back

Example: 'She can ride a bike very fast.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Give an example of a sentence using 'should'.

Back

Example: 'You should practice your math skills every day.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B