Which word is the modal verb? 'You should wear a helmet.'
Modal verbs and degrees of possibility
Year 5 · Upper Key Stage 2 · Y5 G4.3 — Modal verbs and adverbs to show possibility
Draft — awaiting teacher review
Builds on: Past and present tense (Year 2)
I
Concept Anchor
A modal verb sits before a main verb. It can show possibility: might, may, could. It can show strong belief: will, must. It can also show duty: should, must. The meaning depends on the sentence.
Worked example
It might rain. vs It will rain.
- 1.Find the modal verb: might / will.
- 2.might = possible, not sure.
- 3.will = certain.
- 4.The second sentence is more certain.
II
Guided Check
Rewrite 'We go swimming' so it sounds only possible.
III
Independent Diagnostic Practice
Which sentence shows the most certainty?
Which word makes this less certain? 'It is ___ going to snow.'