English Language Arts
Grade 6
15 min
What does the modal verb show?
What does the modal verb show?
Tutorial Preview
1
Introduction & Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives
Identify modal verbs in sentences.
Explain the specific meaning (e.g., possibility, necessity, permission, ability) conveyed by common modal verbs.
Select appropriate modal verbs to express desired meanings in their own writing.
Analyze an author's use of modal verbs to understand their stance or purpose.
Revise sentences to clarify meaning by correctly using modal verbs.
Distinguish between different shades of meaning conveyed by various modal verbs (e.g., 'might' vs. 'must').
Ever wonder how writers tell you if something *will* happen, *might* happen, or *should* happen? 🤔 It's all thanks to special helper verbs!
In this lesson, you'll discover what these powerful 'modal verbs' are and how they add importan...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Modal VerbA special type of auxiliary (helper) verb that adds meaning to the main verb in a sentence, showing things like possibility, necessity, ability, or permission. They always come before a main verb.She *can* swim. ('can' is the modal verb, showing ability)
Auxiliary VerbA 'helper' verb that works with a main verb to form a verb phrase. Modal verbs are a type of auxiliary verb.I *am* reading. ('am' is an auxiliary verb; 'reading' is the main verb)
PossibilityThe state of something being able to happen or be true. Modal verbs like 'may,' 'might,' and 'could' show possibility.It *might* rain later. (shows a chance of rain)
Necessity/ObligationThe state of something being required or essential....
3
Key Rules & Conventions
Modal Verbs Precede Main Verbs
Modal verbs always come directly before the main verb in a sentence. They form a verb phrase together.
This rule helps you identify modal verbs. Look for a verb like 'can,' 'will,' 'should,' etc., followed by another action verb.
Modal Verbs Don't Change Form
Modal verbs do not change their spelling to agree with the subject (e.g., no -s for 'he/she/it') and do not have -ed or -ing forms.
Unlike regular verbs, you don't add endings to modal verbs. For example, you say 'He *can* run,' not 'He *cans* run.'
Each Modal Shows a Specific Meaning
Each modal verb (or a group of them) conveys a particular meaning, such as possibility, necessity, ability, or permission.
Underst...
4 more steps in this tutorial
Sign up free to access the complete tutorial with worked examples and practice.
Sign Up Free to ContinueSample Practice Questions
Challenging
An editor changes a sentence in a legal document from 'The client may review the contract' to 'The client must review the contract.' How does this change in the modal verb affect the meaning and tone?
A.It changes the meaning from ability to advice.
B.It changes the meaning from permission/possibility to a mandatory obligation.
C.It weakens the client's role, making the review optional.
D.It has no real effect on the legal meaning of the sentence.
Challenging
Read this excerpt from an argumentative text: 'Some claim we can solve this problem with technology alone. However, we should also consider the social factors involved. Indeed, we must address both if we are to find a real solution.' How does the author use the progression of modal verbs (can -> should -> must) to strengthen their argument?
A.To show confusion about the solution
B.To move from ability, to permission, to possibility
C.To show that all three modal verbs mean the same thing
D.To move from acknowledging an ability, to giving advice, to stating a firm necessity
Challenging
An author's stated purpose is to gently encourage readers to try a new hobby. Which sentence is LEAST effective for this purpose due to its choice of modal verb?
A.You might enjoy learning to paint.
B.You could try a new hobby like painting.
C.You must learn how to paint.
D.You may find that painting is a relaxing hobby.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free