Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Front

What are modal auxiliary verbs?

Back

Modal auxiliary verbs are special verbs that are used to express ability, possibility, permission, or obligation. 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 the modal verb 'can' express?

Back

The modal 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 the modal verb 'could' express?

Back

The modal verb 'could' is used to express past ability or a polite request. For example, 'I could ride a bike when I was younger'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does the modal verb 'may' indicate?

Back

The modal verb 'may' is used to express permission or possibility. For example, 'May I leave the room?' indicates a request for permission.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does the modal verb 'must' signify?

Back

The modal verb 'must' signifies obligation or necessity. For example, 'You must wear a seatbelt' means it is necessary to wear a seatbelt.

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, while 'might' suggests a lower possibility. For example, 'It may rain tomorrow' is more certain than 'It might rain tomorrow'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What does the modal verb 'should' express?

Back

The modal verb 'should' expresses advice or recommendation. For example, 'You should eat healthy food' suggests a good choice.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

What is an example of a polite request using a modal verb?

Back

An example of a polite request is 'Could you please help me?' where 'could' is the modal verb.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

How do modal verbs change in negative form?

Back

To make modal verbs negative, add 'not' after the modal verb. For example, 'cannot' is the negative form of 'can'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B

Front

Can modal verbs be used in questions?

Back

Yes, modal verbs can be used in questions. For example, 'Can you help me?' is a question using the modal verb 'can'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.1C

CCSS.L.9-10.1B