Welcome to the World of Possibility!
Have you ever been 100% sure that it was going to rain? Or maybe you were only a little bit worried that you might forget your PE kit? In English, we use special words called modal verbs to show how certain or "possible" something is. These words are like a volume knob for your sentences—they can turn the certainty all the way up or all the way down!
In this chapter, we will learn how to identify these "helping verbs" and use them to express different degrees of possibility.
What is a Modal Verb?
A modal verb is a special type of "helping" verb that works with another verb to change its meaning. They usually tell us about certainty, ability, or permission.
The most common modal verbs you need to know are:
can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, might, must
A Quick Rule: Modal verbs are very easy to use because they never change their shape. Unlike other verbs, you don't add -ing, -ed, or -s to them. You would say "He can run," never "He cans run."
Key Takeaway:
Modal verbs come before the main verb in a sentence to show how likely something is to happen.
Degrees of Possibility: How Sure Are You?
In your Year 6 grammar test, you might be asked to choose a word that shows something is certain or something is only possible. We call this the degree of possibility.
Imagine a "Certainty Scale" from 0% to 100%:
1. Certain / Very Likely (High Possibility)
Use these words when you are sure or feel strongly about something.
Example: "It will snow tomorrow." (You are certain!)
Example: "You must finish your homework." (There is no other choice!)
2. Possible (Medium Possibility)
Use these words when something could happen, but you aren't 100% sure.
Example: "It might snow tomorrow." (Maybe it will, maybe it won't.)
Example: "We could go to the park if the sun stays out."
3. Unlikely or Not Possible (Low Possibility)
We often add the word "not" to show that something is unlikely.
Example: "That cannot be true!"
Example: "I might not go to the party."
Did you know?
The word shall is a bit old-fashioned, but it works just like will! You might see it in formal writing or older stories, like: "We shall overcome this challenge."
How to Spot Modal Verbs in a Sentence
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Just look for the verb "team." The modal verb is almost always the first part of the team, and the main action verb follows it.
Example: "The cat might sleep on the sofa."
In this sentence, sleep is the action (the main verb), and might is the modal verb telling us it's only a possibility.
Example: "You should eat your vegetables."
Here, eat is the main verb, and should tells us it is a good idea or an obligation.
Quick Review:
To find the modal verb, ask yourself: Which word is "helping" the action verb and showing how certain the writer is?
Using Adverbs for Possibility
While modal verbs are the main way to show possibility, we can also use adverbs to do the same job. These are often words ending in -ly.
Example using a modal verb: "It will rain."
Example using an adverb: "It is definitely raining."
Common adverbs for possibility include: perhaps, possibly, probably, certainly, definitely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you are writing, it is easy to make these common slips. Keep an eye out for them!
1. The "Of" Trap
In Standard English, we never say "should of," "could of," or "must of." Even though it sounds like that when we speak quickly, the correct way to write it is should have, could have, or must have.
Correct: "I should have gone to bed earlier."
2. Double Modals
You only need one modal verb for the main verb. You wouldn't say "I might can go." You would just say "I might go" or "I can go."
Summary Task: Check Your Understanding
Try to identify the modal verb in these sentences and think about the degree of possibility (High or Medium?):
1. We could win the trophy if we play well. (Medium possibility)
2. You will arrive at 9:00 am. (High possibility/Certainty)
3. It may be cold outside, so bring a coat. (Medium possibility)
4. You must stop at the red light. (High possibility/Requirement)
Note: For more on how verbs change over time, check out our chapter on G4 Tenses: simple past and present. To see how modal verbs fit into formal writing, visit the chapter on G7 Standard English and formal register.