Activities: “What are modal verbs in English?”
Activity 1: Build a sentence
Find the best way to continue each sentence.
We might play tennis on Sunday.
We could have played tennis on Sunday.
We don’t have to play tennis on Sunday.
We should play tennis on Sunday.
We can’t play tennis on Sunday.
We must play tennis on Sunday.
We couldn’t have played tennis on Sunday.
We must have played tennis on Sunday.
Activity 2: Fill in the blanks
Look at the pictures and fill in the gaps with appropriate modal verbs. More than one answer is possible for each gap.
You ride a scooter on this road.
You swim in the area.
Yousmile in this place.
Elderly people cross the road here.
You hear three long sounds before an explosion.
You go faster than 25 mph on this road.
You step onto ice here.
Activity 3: Is it likely?
Look at the picture and say how likely, in your opinion, the statements are, using modal verbs. Often more than one answer is possible.
She be saying “yes.”
He have planned it all in advance.
This be her third birthday.
She blow out the candle by herself.
There be water inside the houses.
The cars escape without damage.
The tree have been blown down by strong winds.
This accident be covered by insurance.