Modal Verbs Worksheet

Lesson Overview

About this worksheet

A modal verb is a special helping verb that works with a main verb to show ability, permission, possibility, or obligation. Modal verbs such as can, may, might, and must never change form to match the subject, and they are always followed by the base form of a main verb. This worksheet teaches students to spot the modal verb in a sentence.

Section A gives eight sentences (We should recycle our bottles; Could you pass the salt?) and asks students to write the modal verb in each. The reference box teaches the idea with ‘She can swim’ and ‘You must wear a seatbelt’, modal verbs that are not reused as Section A answers.

Section B asks students to define a modal verb, use ‘can’ to show ability, explain how ‘must’ differs from ‘should’, and write a modal of their own. Page 3 is a complete answer key. The skill builds toward understanding helping verbs and verb phrases.

How to Use This Lesson

Read the reference box aloud and connect each modal to its meaning (ability, permission, possibility, obligation).

Complete Section A independently – have students look for a helping word sitting just before a main verb.

Work Section B item 11 together: contrast the strong rule in ‘You must stop’ with the advice in ‘You should stop’.

Use the answer key on page 3 for self-check or teacher review.

Pair with the Helping Verbs Worksheet or the Verb Tenses Worksheet for a verbs mini-unit.

Printable Resource

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