Modal verbs discussion

Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are helping verbs used to express possibility, ability, permission, obligation, and more.

Some examples of modal verbs are:

can

must

will

could

should

would

Examples: Can and Could

• Name one thing you can do.

• Name one thing you could do when you were younger.

Answer: I can ride a bike.

Answer: I could climb a tree when I was younger.

We use could to express possibility and ability for future actions.

We use can to express ability.

Examples: Must and Should

• What must you do today?

• You have a test tomorrow. What should you do?

Answer: I must go to sleep early.

Answer: I should study for tomorrow’s test.

Should is often used to express a weaker obligation or recommendation.

Must is generally used to express a strong obligation or necessity.

Examples: Will and Would

• It’s a beautiful day today. What will you do?

• Would you prefer to dance or sing?

Answer: I will go to the beach today.

Answer: I would prefer to sing!

Would is used to express hypothetical or conditional actions.

Will is used to express future actions.

Let’s Practise!

Click on a tile below to practice using the modal verbs.

can

must

will

could

should

would

Let’s Practise: Can

• Can you swim?
• Can you speak a language other than English?
• Can you play any musical instruments?
• Can you cook?
• Can you dance?
• Can you draw or paint?

Answer the questions in full sentences.

In pairs, ask and answer these questions.

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End Discussion

Let’s Practise: Must

• When crossing a road, must we always look both ways?
• What are some things you must do to take care of yourself?
• What are some things you must do to be happy?

Answer the questions in full sentences.

In pairs, ask and answer these questions.

End Discussion

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Let’s Practise: Will

• What are some things you will do on the weekend?
• What are some things you will never do again?
• What are some things you will never forget?

Answer the questions in full sentences.

In pairs, ask and answer these questions.

End Discussion

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Let’s Practise: Could

• Could you run fast when you were a child?
• Could you tell me a funny story?
• Could you draw a picture of a cat?
• Could you tell me the time?
• Could you swim when you were younger?
• Could you walk to school when you were younger?

Answer the questions in full sentences.

In pairs, ask and answer these questions.

End Discussion

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Let’s Practise: Should

• Should you drink water every day?
• Should you eat fruit and vegetables daily?
• What should you do if you have an exam to study for?
• What should you do if you need to get to work early in the morning?
• Should you study hard?
• Should you be kind to others?
• What should you do if you see someone who needs help?

Answer the questions in full sentences.

In pairs, ask and answer these questions.

End Discussion

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Let’s Practise: Would

• Would you like to travel to a new country?
• Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains?
• Would you like to change your career?
• Would you like to start your own business?
• Would you like to live somewhere else?
• Would you like to have a pet?
• Would you like to go back to school?

Answer the questions in full sentences.

In pairs, ask and answer these questions.

End Discussion

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Let’s Practise!

Can you think of any other questions to ask that use can , could , will , would , should or must ?

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End Discussion

Recap

Answer these final mixed questions with a partner to practise using the modal verbs used in this lesson:

• Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world?
• Can you drive?
• Would you rather swim or run?

• What should you do if you must be somewhere on time but you are running late?

• What will you do when you get home later today?

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