Modal verbs

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, shall, should, will, and would.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'can' express?

Back

The verb '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 'can't' indicate?

Back

The verb 'can't' indicates impossibility or denial. For example, 'He can't be at the party' means it is impossible for him to be there.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'may' express?

Back

The verb 'may' expresses permission or possibility. For example, 'You may leave early' means you have permission to leave early.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'must' indicate?

Back

The verb 'must' indicates necessity or strong obligation. For example, 'You must finish your homework' means it is necessary for you to finish it.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'should' suggest?

Back

The verb 'should' suggests advice or recommendation. For example, 'You should eat healthy food' means it is advisable to eat healthy.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'could' express?

Back

The verb 'could' expresses past ability or polite requests. For example, 'I could ride a bike when I was five' indicates past ability.

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

What does 'mustn't' indicate?

Back

The verb 'mustn't' indicates prohibition. For example, 'You mustn't talk during the test' means it is not allowed to talk.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does 'won't' express?

Back

The verb 'won't' expresses refusal or future denial. For example, 'I won't go to the party' means I refuse to go.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B