Modal verbs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify a modal verb and its purpose in a clause.
Key learning points
- The verb carries the tense of a sentence.
- A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb.
- A modal verb is most often paired with the main verb of a clause.
- A modal verb is not paired with the main verb if it appears in a question.
- A modal verb expresses the degree of possibility, intent, ability or necessity of the clause.
Keywords
Auxiliary verb - the helping verb that is always paired with the main verb
Modal verb - a type of auxiliary verb that helps us to talk about how likely, possible, necessary or obligatory something is to happen
Clause - a group of words that contains a verb
Common misconception
Pupils may find the concept of 'obligation' tricky to grasp.
Explain that obligations are things we think we should do or that should happen or that others think we should do or should happen.
Teacher tip
There are a limited number of common modal verbs in English, most of which are used in this lesson. During shared reading and writing, highlight these modal verbs and draw out what they are saying about likelihood and obligation in that context.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these sentences is written in a perfect tense?
Q2.Which of the following would always be found in a perfect tense sentence?
Q3.Match the sentences to the perfect tense used.
Q4.Tick the sentences that use the perfect present tense correctly.
Q5.Match the simple past tense verb to the correct past tense form of the verb that would be used in the perfect present tense.
Q6.Choose the correct perfect present verb form to complete the gap: "Sam (to speak)__________ several times this lesson."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A modal verb is a type of...
Q2.Which of the following are modal verbs?
Q3.What is the purpose of the modal verb 'ought to' in this sentence? "We ought to do more for the environment."
Q4.What are the modal verbs in this sentence? "We might do French today, or we may practise for the play."
Q5.Tick the modal verbs that show certainty.
Q6.Which sentence contains a modal verb showing obligation?
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Modal verbs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Three tense forms and modal verbs unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.