Mastering Modal Verbs(Grade 6)

What is a modal verb?

• A modal verb is an adverb that modifies the intensity of an action.

• A modal verb is a main verb that describes a physical state.

• A modal verb is a type of noun that indicates a specific action.

• A modal verb is an auxiliary verb that expresses necessity, possibility, permission, or ability.

Answer explanation

A modal verb is an auxiliary verb that expresses necessity, possibility, permission, or ability, distinguishing it from other verb types. The correct choice accurately defines its function in English grammar.

Identify the modal verb in this sentence: 'She can swim.'

• should

• might

• would

• can

Answer explanation

The modal verb in the sentence 'She can swim' is 'can'. It indicates ability, which is the function of modal verbs. The other options ('should', 'might', 'would') do not appear in the sentence.

Which of the following is a modal verb: run, could, quickly?

• could

• quickly

• should

• jog

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'could' because it is a modal verb, which expresses possibility or ability. The other options, 'run' and 'jog', are action verbs, while 'quickly' is an adverb.

Fill in the blank with a modal verb: 'You ___ finish your homework.'

• must

• can

• should

• might

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'must' because it indicates a strong obligation to finish homework. 'Can' suggests ability, 'should' implies advice, and 'might' indicates possibility, which do not convey the same necessity.

What does the modal verb 'must' express?

• Indifference or apathy

• Suggestion or advice

• Possibility or permission

• Necessity or obligation

Answer explanation

The modal verb 'must' expresses necessity or obligation, indicating that something is required or essential. It does not convey indifference, suggestion, or mere possibility.

Form a question using the modal verb 'should'.

• Should I go to the party?

• Should I study for the exam?

• Should we eat dinner now?

• Should they play outside?

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'Should I study for the exam?', effectively uses the modal verb 'should' to ask for advice about studying, which is a relevant and appropriate context for its use.

Negate the sentence: 'He will go to the party.'

• He will go to the party later.

• He will not go to the party.

• He is not going to the party.

• He might go to the party.

Answer explanation

The correct negation of 'He will go to the party' is 'He will not go to the party.' This directly contradicts the original statement, making it the accurate choice among the options provided.

Identify the modal verb in this sentence: 'They might come over later.'

• might

• would

• should

• could

Answer explanation

The modal verb in the sentence 'They might come over later' is 'might'. Modal verbs express possibility, and 'might' indicates a potential action.

What is the past form of 'can'?

• caned

• canned

• cans

• could

Answer explanation

The past form of 'can' is 'could'. The other options, such as 'caned', 'canned', and 'cans', are incorrect as they do not represent the past tense of 'can'.

Use 'may' in a sentence to express permission.

• You may leave the room now.

• You may finish your homework later.

• You may take a break after class.

• You may not enter the building.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'You may leave the room now,' uses 'may' to grant permission for someone to leave, clearly indicating that it is allowed. The other options either suggest future actions or deny permission.