Common Core Practice: Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Front

What are modal auxiliary verbs?

Back

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

Front

What is the difference between 'will' and 'would'?

Back

'Will' is used to express certainty or a definite future action, while 'would' is used to express possibility, hypothetical situations, or polite requests.

Front

Provide an example of a sentence using 'can' as a modal auxiliary verb.

Back

I can swim very well.

Front

What does the modal auxiliary verb 'might' indicate?

Back

'Might' indicates a lower degree of certainty compared to 'may' and is often used to express possibility.

Front

How do modal auxiliary verbs affect the meaning of a sentence?

Back

Modal auxiliary verbs modify the main verb to express the speaker's attitude toward the action, such as necessity, ability, permission, or possibility.

Front

What is the function of 'should' in a sentence?

Back

'Should' is used to give advice, suggest an obligation, or indicate a recommendation.

Front

Identify a sentence that correctly uses 'could'.

Back

You could try studying a little every day to improve your grades.

Front

What is the role of 'must' in expressing obligation?

Back

'Must' is used to express a strong obligation or necessity.

Front

How can modal auxiliary verbs be used to make polite requests?

Back

Using modal auxiliary verbs like 'could' or 'would' can soften requests, making them more polite. For example, 'Could you please pass the salt?'

Front

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

Back

'May' is often used to express a higher degree of possibility or permission, while 'might' suggests a lower degree of possibility.