Modal Verbs: How Sure Are You?

English · Grammar & Punctuation · ages 9-10

Name ______________________ Date ____________

Which question asks if you are allowed to do something?
- Will I see you tomorrow?
- May I have some water?
- Must I finish my peas?
Which sentence says something is possible, but not certain?
- The bus will be here soon.
- The bus must stop here.
- The bus could be late.
Which sentence shows the most certainty that it will rain?
- It might rain
- It could rain
- It will rain
"She might come to the party" means she is sure to come.
Circle one: True False
Which modal adverb best replaces 'might' in 'He might win the race'?
- Certainly
- Perhaps
- Surely
Complete the rule: "Visitors ___ touch the paintings. It is not allowed at all."
- might
- must not
- could
Leo is tired every morning. Which sentence gives him advice?
- You will feel tired tomorrow.
- You must sleep all day.
- You should go to bed earlier.
A sign in the library says, "You must not shout." What does the sign mean?
- You have to shout.
- Shouting is a good idea.
- Shouting is not allowed.
Both 'might' and 'could' show a small chance. On the lesson's certainty scale, which one shows a little more certainty?
- might
- could
- They are exactly the same
First Ana says, "I might finish my book tonight." Then she says, "I will finish my book tonight." What changed?
- It went from required to allowed
- Nothing changed
- It went from possible to certain

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

May I have some water? · 'May I ...?' asks if something is allowed. 'Must I ...?' asks about a rule, and 'will' asks about the future.
The bus could be late. · 'Could' shows the lateness is only possible, not sure. 'Will' sounds certain, and 'must' tells about a rule.
It will rain · 'Will' shows the speaker is sure. 'Might' and 'could' only show it is possible.
False · 'Might' shows the chance is only possible, not certain.
Perhaps · 'Perhaps' matches the same low certainty as 'might'. 'Certainly' and 'surely' sound too sure.
must not · A rule against something needs 'must not'. 'Might' and 'could' only say maybe.
You should go to bed earlier. · 'Should' gives advice: a good idea, not a strict rule. 'Will' only predicts, and 'must' sounds like an order.
Shouting is not allowed. · 'Must not' makes a rule against something. The sign says shouting is not allowed in the library.
could · The lesson's certainty bar puts might at 30 and could a little higher at 45, so could shows a little more certainty.
It went from possible to certain · 'Might' only shows a chance, but 'will' shows she is sure now. The meaning moved from possible to certain.