English Language Arts
Grade 7
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 various texts.
Explain the different meanings (e.g., possibility, necessity, permission, ability, obligation, advice) conveyed by common modal verbs.
Analyze how modal verbs contribute to the author's tone or character's perspective in literary texts.
Differentiate between the subtle meanings of similar modal verbs (e.g., 'can' vs. 'could', 'must' vs. 'should').
Use modal verbs accurately and effectively to express specific meanings in their own writing.
Revise sentences to improve clarity and precision by selecting appropriate modal verbs.
Ever wonder how authors make characters sound uncertain, determined, or polite? 🤔 It's often thanks to tiny but mighty words called modal...
2
Key Concepts & Vocabulary
TermDefinitionExample
Modal VerbA type of auxiliary (helping) verb that expresses necessity, possibility, permission, ability, obligation, or advice. They always come before a main verb.She *can* swim. (shows ability)
PossibilityThe state of being likely or able to happen. Modal verbs like *may*, *might*, *could*, and *can* express this.It *might* rain later.
Necessity/ObligationThe state of being required or compelled to do something. Modal verbs like *must*, *have to*, and *should* express this.You *must* complete your homework.
PermissionThe act of allowing someone to do something. Modal verbs like *can*, *could*, and *may* express this.You *may* leave early today.
AbilityThe power or skill to do something. The modal verb *can* (and *could* for past ability) expresses this.He *can* spe...
3
Key Rules & Conventions
Modal Verbs Precede Main Verbs
A modal verb always comes before the main verb in a sentence.
This rule helps you identify modal verbs and understand their function. The main verb always appears in its base form (without 'to' or -ing/-ed endings).
Modals Don't Change Form
Modal verbs do not change their form based on the subject (e.g., no -s for third person singular).
Unlike regular verbs, you don't add -s to a modal verb when the subject is 'he,' 'she,' or 'it.' For example, 'He can swim,' not 'He cans swim.'
Modals Express Nuance
Different modal verbs, or even the same modal verb in different contexts, can express varying degrees of possibility, necessity, or other meanings.
Understanding the sub...
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
Read the character's thought: 'I could tell them the truth, but then I would have to face the consequences. I should just stay quiet.' What does this sequence of modal verbs reveal about the character's internal conflict?
A.The character is confident and knows exactly what to do.
B.The character is asking for permission ('could'), stating a future plan ('would'), and expressing regret ('should').
C.The character is showing past ability ('could'), making a promise ('would'), and expressing confusion ('should').
D.The character is weighing a possibility ('could') against a certain outcome ('would') and settling on a course of action based on perceived advisability ('should').
Challenging
A student wrote: 'If the hero went to the cave, he can find the treasure.' A peer reviewer suggests changing the modal verb. Which change would most improve the sentence's grammatical structure and logical meaning?
A.Change 'can' to 'will' to show certainty.
B.Change 'can' to 'might' to express that finding the treasure is only a possibility.
C.Change 'can' to 'could' to correctly form a hypothetical conditional statement.
D.Change 'can' to 'must' to show it is a requirement.
Challenging
At the beginning of a story, a timid character thinks, 'I might be able to speak up.' By the end, the same character declares, 'I will make my voice heard.' What does this shift from 'might' to 'will' primarily demonstrate?
A.change from having permission to having an obligation.
B.decrease in the character's physical ability.
C.development from uncertainty and possibility to confidence and certainty.
D.shift from giving advice to receiving it.
Want to practice and check your answers?
Sign up to access all questions with instant feedback, explanations, and progress tracking.
Start Practicing Free