Fifth Grade Worksheets: Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are special verbs that express possibility, ability, permission, or obligation. They help us communicate different meanings and attitudes.
Key Takeaway: Modal verbs add meaning to other verbs and help express different types of actions and attitudes.
What are Modal Verbs?
Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express modality - the speaker's attitude toward the action or state described by the main verb. They help us communicate possibility, necessity, ability, permission, and other meanings.
Common Modal Verbs:
- can, could (ability, permission)
- may, might (possibility, permission)
- will, would (future, conditional)
- shall, should (obligation, advice)
- must (necessity, obligation)
Types of Modal Verbs
Ability and Permission:
Can, Could, May
- I can swim. (ability)
- You may go to the party. (permission)
- She could speak French when she was young. (past ability)
Possibility and Probability:
May, Might, Could
- It may rain tomorrow. (possibility)
- He might be at home. (uncertainty)
- She could be the winner. (possibility)
Obligation and Necessity:
Must, Should, Shall
- You must finish your homework. (strong obligation)
- You should eat more vegetables. (advice)
- I shall return. (formal promise)
Future and Conditional:
Will, Would
- I will help you tomorrow. (future intention)
- If I had time, I would visit you. (conditional)
- She would like to go to the movies. (polite request)
Modal Verb Examples in Sentences
I can speak three languages fluently.
You must complete your assignment by Friday.
She might come to the party tonight.
We should recycle to help the environment.
He could run faster when he was younger.
They may arrive late due to traffic.
You will succeed if you work hard.
I would love to visit Paris someday.
Students shall follow the school rules.
She should see a doctor about that cough.
Worksheet 1: Identify Modal Verbs
Underline the modal verb in each sentence:
1. I can swim in the deep end of the pool.
Show Answer
Answer: can - expresses ability
2. You must finish your homework before watching TV.
Show Answer
Answer: must - expresses obligation
3. She might be at the library studying.
Show Answer
Answer: might - expresses possibility
4. We should recycle to protect the environment.
Show Answer
Answer: should - expresses advice
5. He will help you with your project tomorrow.
Show Answer
Answer: will - expresses future intention
Worksheet 2: Complete with Modal Verbs
Fill in the blank with the appropriate modal verb:
1. Students _____ follow the school rules. (obligation)
Show Answer
Answer: must - strong obligation
2. You _____ eat more vegetables for better health. (advice)
Show Answer
Answer: should - advice
3. I _____ speak French when I was younger. (past ability)
Show Answer
Answer: could - past ability
4. It _____ rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella. (possibility)
Show Answer
Answer: may or might - possibility
5. _____ you help me with this math problem? (polite request)
Show Answer
Answer: Could - polite request
Worksheet 3: Modal Verb Meanings
Match each sentence with the correct meaning of the modal verb:
1. "You must wear a helmet when riding a bike."
a) ability b) obligation c) possibility d) advice
Show Answer
Answer: b) obligation - "must" expresses a strong requirement
2. "She can play the piano beautifully."
a) ability b) permission c) possibility d) advice
Show Answer
Answer: a) ability - "can" expresses skill or capability
3. "You should study harder for the test."
a) obligation b) ability c) possibility d) advice
Show Answer
Answer: d) advice - "should" gives a recommendation
4. "It might snow tomorrow."
a) obligation b) ability c) possibility d) advice
Show Answer
Answer: c) possibility - "might" expresses uncertainty
5. "May I borrow your pencil?"
a) ability b) permission c) possibility d) advice
Show Answer
Answer: b) permission - "may" asks for permission
Tips for Using Modal Verbs
Modal verbs don't change form
Unlike regular verbs, modal verbs don't add -s, -ed, or -ing endings.
They're followed by base form verbs
Modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the main verb (without "to").
Choose the right modal for the meaning
Consider whether you want to express ability, permission, possibility, obligation, or advice.
Practice with real situations
Use modal verbs in everyday conversations to become more comfortable with them.