Modal Verbs

Modal Verbs

​What are Modal Verbs?

​Modal verbs are helping verbs that express certain conditions.

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Some examples of modal verbs are can, could, may, might, must, should, will, and would.

The verb can shows ability.​

Nate can ride a bike.​

The verb could shows past ability or a request.​

Laura could do cartwheels when she was younger.

Could you bring me that book?

​The verb may shows possibility, giving permission, or a request for permission.

Ben may be able to come tomorrow.

You may leave early if you've turned in your test.

May I be excused from the table?​

The verb might shows possibility.​

Jessica might join the swim team.​

The verb must shows necessity or near certainty.​

Thomas must finish the project by tomorrow.

After staying up so late, you must be tired!

​The verb should shows advice or expectation.

​You should bring your umbrella.

We should be finished by noon.

The verb will shows future action.​

Mr. Lee will speak at the meeting.​

The verb would shows what would happen under a certain condition.​

I would go if I had the time.​

Multiple Choice

You've got a bad cough. You should stay at home.

• request

• possibility

• advice

• obligation

Multiple Choice

Which of these sentences is an example of possibility?

• If you wash your hands you probably won't get sick.

• You should take the dog out for a walk.

• You have to be quiet when the teacher is explaining something.

• Could you help me with my homework?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of giving advice?

• You can play football on Friday with the team.

• We should wash our hands every time we come inside.

• She might go to the museum on Thursday if she has time.

• You don't have to do the assignment because you were ill.

Multiple Choice

Which of these sentences refer to possibility?

• I might be late because of the traffic.

• She's definitely going to get a 10 in Mathematics.

• He could try harder.

• You mustn't walk on the grass.

Multiple Choice

Which of these refers to obligation?

• You don't have to do extra work.

• You must do your homework.

• You can watch television.

• You should go to bed early.

Multiple Choice

_______ you help me with these bags, please?

• could

• must

• might

• should

Multiple Choice

It _______rain later because it's very cloudy.

• can

• mustn't

• should

• might

Multiple Choice

I______ turn the light on because there was no electricity.

• wouldn't

• shouldn't

• couldn't

• mustn't

Multiple Choice

You _______ go outside because there's a storm.

• can

• would

• mustn't

• should

Multiple Choice

We ____ leave now before it's too late.

• must

• could

• might

• would