• Key Stage 2 • Grammar
Modal verbs are small verbs such as can, might and must that change the meaning of other verbs. They show how certain, possible or necessary something is. Pupils learn modal verbs in Year 5. This guide explains what they are, lists them all and shows how pupils use them in their writing.
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The Quick Answer
- Modal verbs change the meaning of other verbs. They can show certainty, ability or obligation.
- The main modal verbs are will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, should, must and ought.
- They never change form: we say “she must”, never “she musts”.
- Pupils learn to use modal verbs to show degrees of possibility in Year 5.
What Is a Modal Verb?
The national curriculum glossary says modal verbs are used to change the meaning of other verbs. They can express meanings such as certainty, ability or obligation. A modal verb only has finite forms and has no suffixes. For example, we say “I sing” and “he sings”, but “I must” and “he must”, never “he musts”.
List of Modal Verbs
| Modal verb | Example |
|---|---|
| will | I will finish my homework tonight. |
| would | Would you like a drink? |
| can | I can do this maths work by myself. |
| could | We could go to the beach tomorrow. |
| may | This ride may be too scary for you! |
| might | Is it going to rain? Yes, it might. |
| shall | Shall we start? |
| should | You should help your little brother. |
| must | You must wear a helmet. |
| ought | We ought to leave now. |
Four of these examples come from the national curriculum glossary.
Showing Degrees of Possibility
In Year 5, pupils learn to show how likely something is using modal verbs or adverbs such as perhaps and surely:
| Level of certainty | Modal verbs | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Certain | will, must | It will rain tomorrow. |
| Likely | should | The parcel should arrive today. |
| Possible | could, may, might | We might see a fox. |
Choosing the right modal verb helps writers be precise. “You must leave” is much stronger than “You could leave”.
Common Mistakes
- Adding endings: “She cans swim” should be “She can swim”. Modal verbs never take -s or -ing.
- “Could of”: “I could of won” should be “I could have won”. The same applies to would have and should have.
- Using the wrong strength: “You might wear a seatbelt” sounds optional when it is required. Use must for rules.
Modal Verbs in KS2
Modal verbs are part of the Year 5 national curriculum, where pupils learn the term modal verb and use modal verbs or adverbs to show degrees of possibility. Questions on modal verbs can appear in the KS2 grammar, punctuation and spelling test. See all the key terms in our guide to KS2 grammar terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the modal verbs?
The main modal verbs are will, would, can, could, may, might, shall, should, must and ought.
What year do children learn modal verbs?
Modal verbs are taught in Year 5 as part of showing degrees of possibility.
Is “can” a modal verb?
Yes. Can shows ability or permission, for example “I can do this maths work by myself.”
Why can’t you say “could of”?
The correct form is “could have”. “Could of” comes from how “could’ve” sounds when spoken.
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Sources: Department for Education, National curriculum in England: English programmes of study, including English Appendix 2: vocabulary, grammar and punctuation and the English glossary.
