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Primary English · Year 5Chapter 5 · Modal verbs, possibility and the perfect form
Year 5 English · Modal verbs, possibility and the perfect form · Lesson 5.5

Year 5 English: Choosing the right form in writing

Part of the Year 5 English modal verbs, possibility and the perfect form chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page

5.5

Choosing the right form in writing

Year 5
Use modal verbs, adverbs of possibility and the perfect in writing (G5-2, G5-3, G5-4)
Story. Leo is writing a short report about a science test. He wants to say what might happen, what has already happened, and what he should do next. He checks each verb and each adverb to make sure the sentences say exactly what he means.

Key pattern

Choose the form that matches the meaning: might for possible, must for necessary, has finished for done before now.

Check the whole sentence: the adverb, the modal verb and the main verb must all make sense together.

Key ideas

  • Check what the sentence is about: a possibility, a finished time or a time up to now.
  • Use a modal verb with the base form of the main verb.
  • Use have or has with the past participle for the perfect.
  • Use the past tense for a finished time.
Worked example 5.5.1
Choose the best word: The test ____ finish early, but the teacher is not sure. (possibility)

Method. The writer is not sure, so choose a word for possibility.

  1. Read the sentence. The writer is not sure the test will finish early.
    not sure
  2. Choose the modal. Might shows possibility.
    might
  3. Write the answer.
    might

Check. Might. ✓

Worked example 5.5.2
Rewrite the sentence in the perfect: Leo finished the test. (links to now)

Method. Use has with he, then the past participle.

  1. Find the subject. Leo is he, so use has.
    has
  2. Find the participle. The past participle of finish is finished.
    Leo has finished the test.
  3. Write the answer.
    Leo has finished the test.

Check. Leo has finished the test. ✓

Worked example 5.5.3
Write a sentence that says what Leo should do next, using should.

Method. Use should with the base form of the verb.

  1. Choose the advice. Leo should check his notes.
    should
  2. Check the verb. Check is in the base form after should.
    check
  3. Write the answer.
    Leo should check his notes.

Check. Leo should check his notes. ✓

Exercise 5E  Practice: choosing the form

1
FChoose the best modal: You ____ bring a coat, because it is cold. (advice)
2
FChoose the best adverb: The match will ____ be played on Saturday. (very sure)
3
FChoose the best form: We ____ (finish) our project, so we can start a new one.
4
FChoose the best modal for necessity: All visitors ____ sign the book.
5
PSRewrite with probably: The bus will be late.
6
PSChoose the best form: The show ____ (begin) at seven yesterday.
7
PSChoose the best form: Ruby ____ (never / ride) a horse before this summer.
8
PSChoose the best modal: The bridge ____ close if the river rises. (possibility)
9
PSChoose the best adverb: The film was ____ good. (the writer is not sure)
10
RWrite two sentences about a school trip: one that uses might and one that uses the perfect with has.
11
RExplain why will and might are different in It will rain and It might rain.

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