Common Core Practice: Modal Auxiliary Verbs

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What are modal auxiliary verbs?

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

Front

What is the function of the modal auxiliary verb 'will'?

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The modal auxiliary verb 'will' is used to express future actions or certainty.

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What is the function of the modal auxiliary verb 'would'?

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The modal auxiliary verb 'would' is used to express a hypothetical situation, a polite request, or a future action in the past.

Front

What is the function of the modal auxiliary verb 'may'?

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The modal auxiliary verb 'may' is used to express possibility or permission.

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What is the function of the modal auxiliary verb 'might'?

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The modal auxiliary verb 'might' is used to express a lower degree of possibility than 'may'.

Front

What is the function of the modal auxiliary verb 'can'?

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The modal auxiliary verb 'can' is used to express ability or possibility.

Front

What is the function of the modal auxiliary verb 'could'?

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The modal auxiliary verb 'could' is used to express past ability, possibility, or a polite request.

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

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'May' suggests a higher degree of possibility than 'might'. 'May' is often used for permission, while 'might' is used for hypothetical situations.

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

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Modal auxiliary verbs modify the main verb to express nuances of time, ability, permission, or likelihood.

Front

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

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You must finish your homework before you go out.