What are modal verbs?

What is a modal verb?

Modal verbs are verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation.

Modal verbs change the intention or meaning of the main verb in a sentence by showing whether an action is:

Modal verbs don’t show actions on their own, they always need to work with a main verb.

Learn about modal verbs in this battle between Captain Could and the Storm Hacker. Then, put your knowledge to the test in the quiz!

Modal verbs like 'can' 'might', 'must', and 'should' help show how possible, certain or necessary something is.

They work with other verbs to change the meaning of a sentence. They can even be used in negative forms by adding 'not' (like 'can’t' or 'must not').

The Storm Hacker must be stopped.

Sometimes, modal verbs can stand alone, but only when the main verb is already clear from the context.

"Who can save us?"

"I can!"

Which of these sentences uses a modal verb in its negative form?

a) You mustn’t press that button!

b) You might want to press that button.

What is the purpose of modal verbs?

a) They describe what is happening in the background.

b) They help you understand what characters think, feel, or believe about an action.

Roll two dice (or pick two numbers 1–6).
Find the modal verb and a main verb from the list below depending on what you throw or choose.
Make descriptive, funny or silly sentences using your words!

Can you turn your super sentence into a classic cartoon comic book idea!