Modal verbs can could may might

Front

What are modal verbs?

Back

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Examples include can, could, may, might, must.

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 'could' indicate?

Back

'Could' is the past tense of 'can' and indicates a past ability or a possibility. For example, 'I could swim when I was younger.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'may' express?

Back

'May' expresses permission or a possibility. For example, 'You may leave the room' means you have permission to leave.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'might' suggest?

Back

'Might' suggests a lower possibility than 'may.' For example, 'It might rain tomorrow' indicates that there is a chance of rain.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you use 'must'?

Back

'Must' expresses necessity or strong obligation. For example, 'You must finish your homework.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Can you give an example of 'can' in a question?

Back

Yes! An example is: 'Can you help me with my homework?'

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' is more certain than 'It might rain.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do you use 'could' in a sentence?

Back

You can use 'could' to express a past ability: 'I could ride a bike when I was five.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is a common use of 'might'?

Back

A common use of 'might' is to suggest a possibility: 'We might go to the park later.'

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B