New
New
Year 6

Further study of modal verbs

I can use different modal verbs to change the meaning in varying sentence contexts.

New
New
Year 6

Further study of modal verbs

I can use different modal verbs to change the meaning in varying sentence contexts.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb.
  2. A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
  3. A modal verb is not paired with the main verb if it appears in a question.
  4. Modal verbs are often used in speech sentences and persuasive writing.
  5. A modal verb expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of the clause.

Common misconception

Pupils may struggle to understand the concept of 'obligation' in relation to modal verbs.

Talk about how sentences are showing that the speaker thinks they or someone else are 'obliged to' do something.

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

  • 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

Encourage pupils to experiment with different modal verbs and to consider the effect these choices have on meaning in a sentence.
Teacher tip

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the type of tense to the auxiliary verb it uses.
Correct Answer:simple tense,none except 'will' in the future form

none except 'will' in the future form

Correct Answer:progressive tense,auxiliary verb based on 'to be'

auxiliary verb based on 'to be'

Correct Answer:perfect tense,auxiliary verb based on 'to have'

auxiliary verb based on 'to have'

Q2.
Tick the sentence that uses a simple tense.
Correct answer: We play here every day.
We have played here for years.
We are playing there tonight.
Q3.
Tick the sentence that is written in a progressive tense.
We hoped it would never happen.
Correct answer: We were hoping it would never happen.
We had hoped it would never happen.
Q4.
Tick the sentence that is written in a perfect tense.
I have many friends.
Correct answer: I have made new friends.
I have a lot of friends.
Q5.
Which verb form completes this sentence? 'Since January, I __________ my handwriting skills.'
developed
am developing
Correct answer: have developed
Q6.
Which verb form completes this sentence? 'Every morning, I ___________ on my school uniform.'
am putting
have put
Correct answer: put

6 Questions

Q1.
Place these sentences in order from most certain to happen to least certain to happen.
1 - I will go to the restaurant.
2 - I should go to the restaurant.
3 - I might go to the restaurant.
Q2.
Match the types of modal verb to the examples.
Correct Answer:modal verb of certainty,shall

shall

Correct Answer:modal verb of possibility,may

may

Correct Answer:modal verb of obligation,ought to

ought to

Q3.
Match the type of modal verb to the example.
Correct Answer:modal verb of certainty,I will soon learn the truth.

I will soon learn the truth.

Correct Answer:modal verb of possibility,We might struggle to complete this task.

We might struggle to complete this task.

Correct Answer:modal verb of obligation,You must behave better tomorrow.

You must behave better tomorrow.

Q4.
Which of these speech sentences use a modal verb?
Correct answer: Mr Martinez bellowed, "Everyone should be here at 8am tomorrow!"
"I don't like this," scowled Jun angrily.
Correct answer: "Can you help me?" asked Sofia with a frown.
Q5.
Which words in this persuasive sentence are modal verbs? 'We must do more to help, or we may regret it.'
Correct answer: must
do
regret
Correct answer: may
Q6.
Which modal verbs could come at the start of this rhetorical question? '__________ we ignore this situation any longer?'
Correct answer: Can
Ought to
Correct answer: Will
Have to