Websink Prep UKKS2 EnglishYear 5 chaptersEnglish textbooksReceptionYear 1Year 2Year 3Year 4Year 5Year 6Year 7Year 8Year 9Browse allPast papersFind a tutorBecome a tutor
Primary English · Year 5Chapter 5 · Modal verbs, possibility and the perfect form
Year 5 · Chapter 5

Modal verbs, possibility and the perfect form

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Use a modal verb to show how sure something is, or what should or must happen
  • Choose might, may, could or will to show possibility
  • Use perhaps, possibly, probably and certainly to show how likely something is
  • Form the perfect tense with have or has and the past participle
  • Choose the past simple or the perfect for a sentence, and use Standard English verb forms

You should already know

  • Present perfect and past tense (Year 4, Chapter 7)
  • Verb forms and Standard English (Year 4, Chapter 7)

Where this leads

  • Active and passive voice, and subject and object (Chapter 6 of this book)

National Curriculum for England, Key Stage 2 English, Year 5. Content: Use modal verbs (might, should, will, must, can, could, may) to show possibility, certainty, ability and obligation (G5-2), Use adverbs of possibility (possibly, perhaps, certainly, probably) (G5-3), Form the perfect with have or has and the past participle, and contrast it with the past tense (G5-4, WV2, G3-7), Use Standard English verb forms such as I did, we were and I have seen (G4-2).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWrite the past tense of walk.
2
FWrite the past tense of eat.
3
FWhich word is a verb in The dog might run? Write the main verb.
4
FWrite the word that means a person who lives next door.
5
FAdd the suffix -ly to the adjective sudden. Write the new word.
5.1

Modal verbs: might, should, will, must, can, could and may

Year 5
Use modal verbs (might, should, will, must, can, could, may) to show possibility and obligation (G5-2)
Video lesson: Modal verbs: might, should, will, must, can, could and mayComing soon
Story. Kai is planning a camping trip. He says, We might see owls tonight, we should pack a torch, and we must keep the tent zipped. He uses small helping verbs before the main verb. These are modal verbs.

Key pattern

A modal verb is a helping verb. It comes before the main verb and changes its meaning.

might and may show possibility: it might rain.

should shows advice: you should wear a coat.

must shows something is necessary or very likely: you must wash your hands.

After a modal verb, the main verb is always in the base form: I can swim, not I can swimming.

Key ideas

  • Modal verbs include might, may, should, will, must, can and could.
  • Modal verbs are followed by the base form of the main verb: can run, should wait.
  • Modal verbs do not change for different people: I can, she can.
  • A modal verb changes the meaning: she might come means she may come, not she comes.
Worked example 5.1.1
Which modal verb shows advice in You should wear a helmet?

Method. Look for the word that gives advice.

  1. Find the modal verb. Should is a modal verb.
    should
  2. Check the meaning. Should gives advice about what is best to do.
    advice
  3. Write the answer.
    should

Check. Should. ✓

Worked example 5.1.2
Write the main verb after the modal verb in The train might be late.

Method. The main verb comes straight after the modal verb.

  1. Find the modal verb. Might is the modal verb.
    might
  2. Find the main verb. After might comes be, in the base form.
    be
  3. Write the answer.
    be

Check. Be. ✓

Worked example 5.1.3
Which modal verb shows that something is necessary: could or must?

Method. Think about what is needed.

  1. Read each modal. Could shows ability or possibility; must shows necessity.
    necessity
  2. Choose the word. Must shows something is necessary.
    must
  3. Write the answer.
    must

Check. Must. ✓

Exercise 5A  Practice: modal verbs

1
FFind the modal verb in The shop might open late today.
2
FWrite the main verb after should in You should wash your hands.
3
FChoose a modal verb: We ____ go to the park after lunch. (It is necessary.)
4
FChoose a modal verb for possibility: It ____ snow tonight, but I am not sure.
5
FChoose a modal verb for permission: ____ I borrow your pen, please?
6
FChoose a modal verb for ability: When I was five, I ____ swim across the pool.
7
FWhich modal verb is in The bus will arrive at six o'clock?
8
PSRewrite with should as advice: Take an umbrella. Write the sentence with should.
9
PSChoose the correct form: They ____ finished the test before the bell.
10
PSWrite the modal verb that makes this sentence about possibility: Sam ____ be ill, because he is pale.
11
PSWrite one sentence that uses could to show ability.
12
RAli says might and must both show certainty. Is he right? Explain.
13
RExplain why washes is wrong in You must washes your hands.
5.2

Adverbs of possibility: perhaps, possibly, probably and certainly

Year 5
Use adverbs of possibility (possibly, perhaps, certainly, probably) (G5-3)
Video lesson: Adverbs of possibility: perhaps, possibly, probably and certainlyComing soon
Story. Priya is describing the weather for the school newspaper. She writes, Perhaps it will rain. It is probably cold. It is certainly windy. Each word tells the reader how sure she is about her idea.

Key pattern

An adverb of possibility shows how likely or certain something is.

certainly means very sure: It will certainly snow.

probably means very likely: It will probably snow.

perhaps and possibly mean it might happen but it is not sure: Perhaps it will snow.

Key ideas

  • certainly is the most sure; probably is very likely; perhaps and possibly are less sure.
  • These adverbs usually come before the main verb or at the start of a sentence.
  • Do not use two modal verbs together, such as will might.
  • Put a comma after perhaps or possibly when it starts a sentence.
Worked example 5.2.1
Which adverb shows the writer is almost sure: perhaps, possibly or certainly?

Method. Look at the strength of each word.

  1. Compare the words. Perhaps and possibly are not sure; certainly is sure.
    sure
  2. Choose the word. Certainly shows the writer is sure.
    certainly
  3. Write the answer.
    certainly

Check. Certainly. ✓

Worked example 5.2.2
Write the adverb of possibility in The bus will probably be late.

Method. Find the word that shows how likely something is.

  1. Find the adverb. Probably shows how likely the bus being late is.
    probably
  2. Check the meaning. Probably means very likely but not certain.
    likely
  3. Write the answer.
    probably

Check. Probably. ✓

Worked example 5.2.3
Rewrite the sentence with perhaps: The cat will come back.

Method. Add the adverb at the start of the sentence.

  1. Add the adverb. Perhaps shows the writer is not sure.
    perhaps
  2. Write the sentence. Perhaps the cat will come back.
    Perhaps the cat will come back.
  3. Write the answer.
    Perhaps the cat will come back.

Check. The writer is not sure. ✓

Exercise 5B  Practice: adverbs of possibility

1
FWhich adverb shows the most certainty: perhaps, possibly or certainly?
2
FWhich adverb shows the least certainty: probably, perhaps or certainly?
3
FWrite the adverb in The shop will probably open at nine.
4
FChoose an adverb: The concert will ____ start on time. (The writer is very sure.)
5
FChoose an adverb: ____, the train is late because of the snow. (The writer is not sure.)
6
PSRewrite the sentence with possibly: The match will be cancelled.
7
PSAli writes It will probably certainly rain. Write one correction.
8
PSWhich sentence shows the writer is not sure: It will certainly be sunny or It will perhaps be sunny?
9
PSWrite the adverb that means very likely in a sentence about the bus.
10
RWrite a sentence about the weather that uses possibly.
11
RExplain the difference between probably and possibly.
5.3

The perfect form: have or has and the past participle

Year 5
Form the perfect with have or has and the past participle, and contrast it with the past tense (G5-4, WV2, G3-7)
Video lesson: The perfect form: have or has and the past participleComing soon
Story. Nadia is writing a report on the school garden. She writes, We planted the seeds in May. Then she writes, We have grown carrots and beans. The first sentence is about a finished time. The second sentence links the past to now.

Key pattern

The perfect form uses have or has with the past participle: I have seen, she has gone.

The past participle of many verbs is the same as the past tense: walked, played.

Many irregular verbs have a different past participle: seen (see), gone (go), eaten (eat), written (write).

Use the past tense for a finished time: We saw a fox yesterday. Use the perfect for a time that links to now: We have seen a fox.

Key ideas

  • have is used with I, you, we and they; has is used with he, she and it.
  • The past participle follows have or has.
  • The past tense does not use have or has: I saw, not I have saw.
  • Use the perfect when the time is not stated or links to now.
Worked example 5.3.1
Write the past participle of see.

Method. Check the irregular verb.

  1. Find the verb. See is an irregular verb.
    see
  2. Write the past participle. The past participle of see is seen.
    seen
  3. Write the answer.
    seen

Check. Seen. ✓

Worked example 5.3.2
Complete the perfect form: We ____ (go) to the beach this summer.

Method. Use have with we, then the past participle.

  1. Choose the helping verb. We takes have.
    have
  2. Choose the past participle. The past participle of go is gone.
    gone
  3. Write the answer.
    have gone

Check. We have gone. ✓

Worked example 5.3.3
Choose the past tense or the perfect: Ben ____ (eat) his lunch at twelve yesterday.

Method. Look at the time phrase.

  1. Find the time. Yesterday tells us a finished time.
    finished
  2. Choose the form. The past tense is used for a finished time: ate.
    ate
  3. Write the answer.
    ate

Check. Ben ate his lunch at twelve yesterday. ✓

Exercise 5C  Practice: the perfect form

1
FWrite the past participle of eat.
2
FWrite the past participle of write.
3
FWrite the past participle of walk.
4
FComplete the perfect: They ____ (break) the window.
5
FComplete the perfect: She ____ (take) the bus to school.
6
FComplete the perfect: It ____ (rain) all morning.
7
PSChoose the past tense or the perfect: We ____ (see) a fox yesterday. (a finished time)
8
PSChoose the past tense or the perfect: We ____ (see) several foxes this year. (time up to now)
9
PSAli writes I have saw a rainbow. Write the correct sentence.
10
PSWrite the perfect form of go with she.
11
RWrite one sentence in the perfect form about something you have done this week.
12
RExplain why We saw a fox yesterday is correct, but We have seen a fox yesterday is not.
5.4

Standard English verb forms

Year 5
Use Standard English verb forms such as I did, we were and I have seen (G4-2)
Video lesson: Standard English verb formsComing soon
Story. Joe is writing an email to his teacher. He writes, We was at the library, and I done my project. His friend says the sentence is not in Standard English. Joe rewrites it: We were at the library, and I did my project.

Key pattern

In Standard English the verb agrees with the subject: we were, they were, I was.

The past tense of do is did, not done: I did my homework.

The past participle is used with have or has: I have done, not I have did.

Key ideas

  • Use were with we, you and they in the past tense.
  • The past tense of do is did; done is a past participle.
  • Use the past participle with have or has: I have gone.
  • Standard English is the form used in writing and formal speech.
Worked example 5.4.1
Choose the correct form: We ____ (be) at the library yesterday.

Method. Use the past form that goes with we.

  1. Find the subject. We is plural.
    we
  2. Choose the past form. The past of be with we is were.
    were
  3. Write the answer.
    were

Check. We were at the library. ✓

Worked example 5.4.2
Rewrite in Standard English: I done my project.

Method. Use the past tense did, not done.

  1. Find the verb. The verb is done.
    done
  2. Choose the past tense. The past tense of do is did.
    did
  3. Write the answer.
    I did my project.

Check. I did my project. ✓

Worked example 5.4.3
Choose the correct form: They have ____ (go) home.

Method. After have, use the past participle.

  1. Find the helper. Have comes before the verb.
    have
  2. Choose the participle. The past participle of go is gone.
    gone
  3. Write the answer.
    gone

Check. They have gone home. ✓

Exercise 5D  Practice: Standard English verb forms

1
FChoose the correct form: They ____ late for the match. (be, past)
2
FChoose the correct form: I ____ my homework before tea. (do, past)
3
FChoose the correct form: She ____ the bell. (ring, past)
4
FRewrite in Standard English: We was happy.
5
FRewrite in Standard English: They have did the test.
6
PSRewrite in Standard English: I have went to the shop.
7
PSRewrite in Standard English: You was late, but you did not mind.
8
PSChoose the correct form: Sam ____ already ____ (eat) his lunch.
9
PSChoose the correct form: The children ____ (see) the show twice.
10
PSWhich sentence is in Standard English: We was late or We were late?
11
RWrite one sentence in Standard English that uses were and one that uses did.
12
RExplain why I have did my homework is not Standard English.
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)
Video lesson: Choosing the right form in writingComing soon
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.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Modal verbsmight, may, could, will, should, must and can are followed by the base form: can run, should wait.
Adverbs of possibilitycertainly (sure), probably (very likely), perhaps and possibly (not sure).
The perfect formhave or has with the past participle: I have seen, she has gone.
Past tense or perfectUse the past tense for a finished time (yesterday); use the perfect for a time up to now.
Standard Englishwe were, I did, I have done, she has gone.

Can you…?

  • I can use modal verbs to show possibility, advice and necessity
  • I can use certainly, probably, perhaps and possibly
  • I can form the perfect with have or has and the past participle
  • I can choose the past tense or the perfect for a sentence
  • I can use Standard English verb forms such as we were and I did

Key terms

modal verb
a helping verb such as might, should or must, which is followed by the base form of a verb
adverb of possibility
an adverb that shows how likely or certain something is, such as probably
perfect form
a verb form made with have or has and the past participle, such as has eaten
past participle
the form of a verb used after have or has, such as seen, gone or written
base form
the plain form of a verb, such as go or wash
Standard English
the form of English used in writing and formal speech

Exercise 5Z  Check-up

1
Find the modal verb in The shop might be closed.
2
Choose the modal for advice: You ____ wear a helmet.
3
Choose the adverb of certainty: It will ____ be warm. (very sure)
4
Write the past participle of take.
5
Complete the perfect: The class ____ (visit) the zoo.
6
Choose the past tense or the perfect: We ____ (see) the stars last night. (a finished time)
7
Rewrite in Standard English: We was ready.
8
Rewrite in Standard English: She has did her best.
9
Rewrite with perhaps: The train will be on time.
10
Write one sentence with must that shows something is necessary.

Total 17 marks. Allow about 17 minutes.

Exercise 5X  Practice test questions

1
FWrite the modal verb in Tom could swim before he was five.[1 mark]
2
FChoose the adverb of possibility: ____, we will go to the park if it is sunny. (not sure)[1 mark]
3
FWrite the past participle of begin.[1 mark]
4
FComplete the perfect: I ____ (write) three stories this term.[2 marks]
5
PSRewrite in Standard English: They was at the shop, and I done the shopping.[2 marks]
6
PSChoose the best modal: Visitors ____ sign in at the desk. (a rule)[1 mark]
7
PSWrite the sentence in the perfect: The students finished the quiz. (links to now)[2 marks]
8
PSChoose the adverb that shows the writer is most sure: possibly, perhaps or certainly?[1 mark]
9
RWrite one sentence with might and one with the perfect has, about a day out.[3 marks]
10
RExplain the difference between I saw the film and I have seen the film.[3 marks]
← Chapter 4: Relative clauses and adverbials of time, place and causeChapter 6: Active and passive voice, subject and object →

Websink Prep UK is an independent site. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR, WJEC, Eduqas, CCEA, SQA, GL Assessment, CEM or the Department for Education. All exam board names and trademarks belong to their owners. Past papers are linked from the exam boards' own websites and are not hosted here.

About Websink Prep UK · Find a tutor · Privacy · Terms · Cookie settings