English // Grammar & Punctuation

Modal Verbs and Possibility

Understand and use modal verbs (can, may, must, might, shall, will, could, should, would) and modal adverbs (perhaps, surely, certainly) to indicate degrees of possibility, necessity, and permission

Ages
9 to 10
Type
Concept
Builds on
4 topics
Leads to
0 topics
Standards
3 codes

Quick check

When the learner writes, do they choose between words like "must", "might", "could", and "should" to show whether something is certain, possible, or just an idea — rather than treating every action as definite?

Ask this to see whether the topic is secure.

Topic // Mastery

What mastery looks like

What a learner can do once this topic is secure.
  • Select a modal verb to express certainty, probability, or possibility in a sentence, e.g. 'It will rain' vs 'It might rain' vs 'It could rain'
  • Replace a modal verb with a modal adverb to achieve a similar effect, e.g. 'He might come' → 'Perhaps he will come'
  • Distinguish between modals expressing permission (may, can), obligation (must, should), and possibility (might, could) in context

Topic // Map

Where this fits

What to learn first and what this topic opens up, with the reason for each link. Required links come first.
  • RequiredMust come first
  • HelpfulHelps, but not essential

Before this

4 topics
  • Past, Present and Progressive TenseRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 6 to 9

    Modal verbs express degrees of possibility and are understood within the broader framework of verb tense and aspect

  • Simple Past, Present and FutureRequired

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 8 to 9

    Modal verbs modify main verbs to express possibility/necessity; learners need a secure grasp of simple verb tenses before adding modal modifiers

  • The Present Perfect TenseHelpful

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 7 to 11

    Understanding modal verbs is enriched by the prior study of present perfect, which also expresses nuanced relationships between time and action

  • Standard English VerbsHelpful

    Grammar & Punctuation // Ages 8 to 9

    Standard English verb inflections provide the base forms that modals modify

You are here

Modal Verbs and Possibility

Ages 9 to 10 // Concept

Leads to

0 topics

Nothing in the catalogue builds on this topic yet. Browse Grammar & Punctuation

Topic // Standards

Curriculum standards

Codes for the curriculum statements this topic maps to. Each publisher owns its standard text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects
L.4.1c
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document
Eng.App2.Y5.Sent.2Eng.UKS2.Write.VGP.1e

English // Grammar & Punctuation

More in Grammar & Punctuation

All 75 topics