📚 Detailed Explanation of Using the Correct Modal Verb

Modal verbs are special helping verbs used in English to show possibility, permission, ability, advice, or necessity. They help explain how likely something is to happen, if someone is allowed to do something, or how sure we are about something. Understanding how to use the correct modal verb is important for clear and polite communication.

🤔 What Are Modal Verbs?

Modal verbs are words like can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would. They don’t change form for different subjects (he, she, I, we), and they are always followed by the base form of the main verb without “to.”

📝 The Role of Modal Verbs in Sentences

Modal verbs add meaning to the main verb by showing:

  • Ability: What someone can do
    Example: I can swim very fast.
  • Possibility: What might happen or what is likely
    Example: It might rain later.
  • Permission: Asking for or giving permission
    Example: May I go to the toilet?
  • Advice or Obligation: What someone should or must do
    Example: You should finish your homework.
    Example: You must wear a seatbelt.
  • Requests or Polite Offers: Making polite questions or offers
    Example: Could you help me, please?
    Example: Would you like some juice?
  • Future certainty or willingness
    Example: I will call you tomorrow.

✅ Using Common Modal Verbs Correctly

Here are some examples in everyday sentences for Year 6 students, following the UK National Curriculum:

  • Can – ability or permission
    I can ride my bike to school.
    Can I have a pencil, please?
  • Could – polite permission or possibility
    Could you pass the salt?
    We could go to the park if it stops raining.
  • May – formal permission or possibility
    May I leave early today?
    It may snow tonight.
  • Might – possibility (less certain than may)
    I might join the football club after school.
  • Must – obligation or strong necessity
    You must wear your uniform every day.
  • Shall – formal suggestions or offers (more common in questions)
    Shall we play a game?
  • Should – advice or expectation
    You should eat breakfast before school.
  • Will – future actions or promises
    I will help you with your project.
  • Would – polite requests or imagined situations
    Would you like some help?

💡 Important Tips for Using Modals

  • Modal verbs always come before the main verb.
  • Use the base form of the main verb after the modal (no -s, -ed, or -ing).
  • Modals don’t change to show past tense (except could, would often show past polite forms).
  • Use the right modal for the meaning you want to express: ability (can), advice (should), permission (may), or obligation (must).

✍️ Practice Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verb:

  1. You ___ finish your homework before playing games. (must/should)
  2. ___ I borrow your pen, please? (May/Will)
  3. We ___ go to the cinema if we finish our work early. (might/will)
  4. She ___ play the piano very well. (can/could)
  5. ___ you help me with this puzzle? (Would/Can)

Understanding and using modal verbs correctly helps you become a better writer and speaker, making your sentences clear and polite. Keep practising these modal verbs to improve your English! ✨

📝 20 Examination-Style Questions on Modal Verbs with Answers

Use the Correct Modal Verb: Year 6 English, Key Stage 2

Here are 20 questions to help you practise using the correct modal verbs. Modal verbs are special verbs like can, could, will, would, shall, should, may, might, and must. They show possibility, ability, permission, or obligation.

Questions

  1. You _____ (can / must) wear a helmet when you ride your bike for safety.
  2. I _____ (might / will) come to the party if I finish my homework early.
  3. _____ (Should / Would) you like some help with your project?
  4. We _____ (must / might) be quiet in the library.
  5. She _____ (can / must) speak three languages fluently.
  6. You _____ (should / could) try to get more sleep to feel better.
  7. _____ (Could / Shall) you open the window, please?
  8. They _____ (will / might) visit us during the summer holidays.
  9. You _____ (must / can) not eat sweets before dinner.
  10. I _____ (will / should) finish my reading before bedtime.
  11. Parents _____ (must / may) give permission for the school trip.
  12. We _____ (could / will) see a rainbow if the sun appears after the rain.
  13. You _____ (should / might) apologise if you hurt someone’s feelings.
  14. _____ (May / Can) I leave the classroom early today?
  15. He _____ (must / can) not forget his homework again.
  16. I _____ (would / will) love to visit Paris someday.
  17. You _____ (should / must) listen carefully during the lesson.
  18. She _____ (may / must) be at home; the lights are on.
  19. We _____ (could / shall) go to the park after lunch if the weather is nice.
  20. You _____ (can / might) borrow my book if you promise to bring it back.

Answers

  1. must
  2. might
  3. Would
  4. must
  5. can
  6. should
  7. Could
  8. might
  9. must
  10. will
  11. must
  12. could
  13. should
  14. May
  15. must
  16. would
  17. must
  18. may
  19. could
  20. can

📌 Study Tip:

Remember, modal verbs don’t change for different subjects (he, she, I, we) and are always followed by the base form of the verb (e.g., must wear, could see). Practise using these modals in sentences to get confident with their meaning and use!