Starter quiz
- What type of word is a modal verb?
- An adjective.
- An adverb.
- A noun.
- An auxiliary verb. ✓
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- Which of the following are modal verbs?
- be
- might ✓
- could ✓
- learn
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- What is the purpose of the modal verb 'will' in this sentence? "They will find us somewhere to stay."
- To show that they have an obligation to find us somewhere to stay.
- To show that they might possibly find us somewhere to stay.
- To show that they definitely will find us somewhere to stay. ✓
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- What are the modal verbs in this sentence? "We have to do maths first today and then we will enjoy some music."
- do
- have to ✓
- will ✓
- and
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- Tick the modal verbs that show that something is possible to happen but not certain.
- will
- may ✓
- could ✓
- shall
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- Which sentence contains a modal verb showing obligation?
- We ought to try harder. ✓
- We could try harder.
- We will try harder.
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Exit quiz
- Put these sentences in order from most certain to happen to least certain to happen.
- 1⇔We will win this match.
- 2⇔We should win this match.
- 3⇔We might win this match.
- Match the types of modal verb to their definitions.
- Modal verbs of certainty⇔Show things that are definitely going to happen. ✓
- Modal verbs of possibility⇔Show things that could happen. ✓
- Modal verbs of obligation⇔Show things that are supposed to happen or should be done. ✓
- Match the type of modal verb to the example.
- Modal verb of certainty⇔We shall find out tomorrow. ✓
- Modal verb of possibility⇔We might find out tomorrow. ✓
- Modal verb of obligation⇔We ought to find out tomorrow. ✓
- Which of these speech sentences use a modal verb?
- "You have one more chance," said Mrs. Begum.
- "You should stop right now!" bellowed Mr. McIntyre. ✓
- "We'll get into trouble," whispered Sam. ✓
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- Which words in this persuasive sentence are modal verbs? "You must change your behaviour, or you may find yourself in deep trouble."
- must ✓
- change
- or
- may ✓
- find
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- Which modal verb could come at the start of this rhetorical question? "__________ we look the other way while the environment is destroyed?"
- have to
- will ✓
- ought to
- might
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb.
- A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
- A modal verb is not paired with the main verb if it appears in a question.
- Modal verbs are often used in speech sentences and persuasive writing.
- A modal verb expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of the clause.
Common misconception
Pupils may be confused by the presence of modal verbs at the start of questions.
Explain that in questions the modal verb can come first followed by the person we're referring to, then the main verb.
Keywords
Auxiliary verb - the helping verb that is always paired with the main verb
Modal verb - a type of auxiliary verb that helps us to talk about how likely, possible, necessary or obligatory something is to happen
Clause - a group of words that contains a verb
Speech sentence - a sentence that includes direct speech
Persuasive writing - text that tries to change someone’s mind or behaviour
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