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Year 5 English — Modal verbs

Choose the modal verb that carries the right meaning — ability, permission, obligation, advice or possibility.

Name: ________________________

  1. 1.It is the law: every rider ____ wear a helmet.

    • a) might
    • b) can
    • c) may
    • d) must

  2. 2.Write one modal verb: I am not sure, but it ____ rain this evening.

  3. 3.Write one modal verb: When she was five, she ____ already swim well.

  4. 4.Which sentence asks for permission?

    • a) May I sit here?
    • b) Can you lift this box?
    • c) I might sit here.
    • d) You must sit here.

  5. 5.Ravi is only six, but he ____ already read long stories.

    • a) should
    • b) would
    • c) must
    • d) can

  6. 6.Match each modal verb to the meaning it carries.

    • can
    • could
    • must
    • should
    • may
    • might
    • being able to do something in the past
    • having no choice about something
    • the wise or right thing to do
    • being allowed to do something
    • being able to do something now
    • something that is only possible

  7. 7.Write the modal that shows there is no choice at all: Visitors ____ sign the register before entering.

  8. 8.Which sentence gives advice?

    • a) You must park here.
    • b) You can park here.
    • c) You should park closer to the gate.
    • d) You might park here.

Answer key — Year 5 English — Modal verbs

  1. 1. d) must
  2. 2.
    • might
    • may
    • could
  3. 3. could
  4. 4. a) May I sit here?
  5. 5. d) can
  6. 6. can → being able to do something now; could → being able to do something in the past; must → having no choice about something; should → the wise or right thing to do; may → being allowed to do something; might → something that is only possible
  7. 7.
    • must
    • have to
  8. 8. c) You should park closer to the gate.