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SATs practice · Year 6Chapter 2 · Verb forms: tense, modal verbs, the perfect and the subjunctive
Year 6 · Chapter 2

Verb forms: tense, modal verbs, the perfect and the subjunctive

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Choose the right perfect form to show when an action happened
  • Choose a modal verb or a modal adverb that shows the right degree of possibility
  • Use the base form after a modal verb, and in a formal subjunctive sentence
  • Find and correct a verb that breaks the tense of a sentence or paragraph
  • Correct a verb form that is wrong in a sentence

You should already know

  • Past and present tense verbs, and the verb to be (Year 4 grammar)
  • Verb forms in Year 5 (Year 5 grammar)

Where this leads

  • Active and passive voice, formal and informal writing (Chapter 3 of this book)

KS2 SATs practice for grammar, punctuation and spelling (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Use the present perfect and the past perfect to mark time and cause (Year 5-6 grammar), Use modal verbs (might, should, will, must) and modal adverbs (perhaps, surely) to show possibility (Year 5-6 grammar), Use the subjunctive in formal English, e.g. if I were; it is vital that he attend (Year 5-6 grammar), Keep tense consistent within a sentence and a paragraph (Year 5-6 grammar).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhich word is a verb in: The river flows past the old mill. Choose one: river, flows or old.
2
FWrite the past tense of see. Write one word.
3
FWrite the past participle of write. Write one word.
4
FWhich word is a helping verb in: She has finished her lunch. Choose one: She, finished or has.
5
FWrite the subject of: The children were laughing at the clown. Write the subject only.
2.1

The present and past perfect

Year 6
Use the present perfect and the past perfect to mark time and cause (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The present and past perfectComing soon
Practice material. This is practice in the style of the Year 6 grammar, punctuation and spelling test. It is not the official test, and no official test item is used. Marks and timings are a practice guide only.
Story. Ruby and Omar reach the station. "The train has already left," says Omar, "so we had missed it before we even got here."

Rule

The present perfect is has or have plus the past participle. It links a past action to now: The bus has arrived.

The past perfect is had plus the past participle. It shows that one action happened before another past action: The bus had left when we arrived.

Irregular verbs have their own past participles: broken, gone, written, eaten.

Key ideas

  • Present perfect: has or have + past participle, linked to now.
  • Past perfect: had + past participle, for an earlier past action.
  • Never use have with the simple past: I have seen, not I have saw.
Worked example 2.1.1
Write the past perfect that completes: By the time we reached the station, the train ___ (leave).

Method. Use the past perfect when one past action happened before another past action.

  1. Find the later past event. We reached the station, which is the later past event.
    we reached the station
  2. Find the earlier action. The train left before we reached it, so it is the earlier action.
    the train left
  3. Write the past perfect. Had plus the past participle of leave, which is left.
    had left
  4. Write the answer.
    had left

Check. the train left before we arrived. ✓

Worked example 2.1.2
Write the present perfect that completes: Ella ___ (finish) her homework, so she can play.

Method. Use the present perfect when a past action is linked to now.

  1. Find the subject. Ella is a single person, so the helping verb is has.
    Ella
  2. Find the participle. The past participle of finish is finished.
    finished
  3. Put them together. Has plus finished links the finishing to now.
    has finished
  4. Write the answer.
    has finished

Check. she can play now, because the work is finished. ✓

Worked example 2.1.3
Which is correct: I have gone or I have went? Write the correct form.

Method. The past participle after have is gone, not went.

  1. Find the helping verb. Have goes with I.
    have
  2. Find the past participle. The past participle of go is gone; went is the simple past.
    gone
  3. Choose the form. Gone is the correct form after have.
    I have gone
  4. Write the answer.
    I have gone

Check. have is followed by the past participle gone. ✓

Exercise 2A  Practice: the present and past perfect

1
FWhich verb form completes: We ___ our tickets before the bus came. Choose one: had bought, have bought or bought.
2
FWhich verb form completes: The dog ___ its supper, so it is not hungry now. Choose one: has eaten, eats or ate.
3
FWrite the past perfect of break in: The vase ___ before Dad got home. Write the verb form only.
4
FWrite the present perfect of go in: Nina ___ to Spain twice. Write the verb form only.
5
FFind the mistake and write the correct verb form: When we arrived, the film had start.
6
FIs this sentence correct? I have never saw a whale. Choose one: True or False.
7
FWrite the present perfect that completes: The team ___ (win) the cup three times. Write the verb form only.
8
PSWrite the past perfect that completes: She ___ (write) the letter before the post left. Write the verb form only.
9
PSWrite a sentence that uses the past perfect to show one past event happened before another.
10
PSWhich word completes the present perfect: Ben ___ already eaten his lunch. Choose one: has, have or is.
11
RExplain the difference between I have lost my key and I had lost my key.
12
PSTom lost his bag, and then he found it in the park. Rewrite the first event using the past perfect.
2.2

Modal verbs and modal adverbs

Year 6
Use modal verbs (might, should, will, must) and modal adverbs (perhaps, surely) to show possibility (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Modal verbs and modal adverbsComing soon
Story. The school trip is on Friday. Mrs Lee writes a note: "It might rain, so you should bring a coat. You must wear your name badge. Perhaps the bus will be late, but surely we will be there in time."

Rule

A modal verb (might, should, will, must, can, could, would) changes the meaning of the main verb. It shows possibility, advice, a rule, or a future plan.

A modal adverb (perhaps, surely, possibly, certainly) shows how sure the writer is.

After a modal verb, use the base form of the verb: might rain, should go, never might rains.

Key ideas

  • Might shows possibility; must shows strong certainty or a rule.
  • Should gives advice; will shows a future plan or a firm intention.
  • After a modal verb, the main verb is the base form, with no to: should go, not should to go.
Worked example 2.2.1
Which modal verb shows a rule that must be followed? You ___ wear a helmet on the bike. Write one word.

Method. Choose the modal verb that shows a rule or obligation.

  1. Read the sentence. The sentence is about a safety rule.
    a helmet
  2. Test might and should. Might shows possibility, and should gives advice, but a helmet is required.
    might, should
  3. Choose the stronger word. Must shows the rule is required.
    must
  4. Write the answer.
    must

Check. must shows a rule. ✓

Worked example 2.2.2
Write the modal adverb that shows the writer is not sure: ___ the bus will be late. Write one word.

Method. A modal adverb shows how sure the writer is.

  1. Read the sentence. The writer is not sure the bus will be late.
    not sure
  2. Choose the adverb of doubt. Perhaps shows uncertainty.
    Perhaps
  3. Check the others. Surely shows strong belief, which does not fit.
    Perhaps
  4. Write the answer.
    Perhaps

Check. perhaps shows uncertainty. ✓

Worked example 2.2.3
Rewrite the sentence using might: It is possible that it will rain.

Method. Replace the phrase about possibility with the modal verb might and the base form.

  1. Find the possibility. It is possible that it will rain shows possibility.
    possible
  2. Replace with might. Might plus the base form rain shows the same possibility.
    might rain
  3. Write the sentence. The subject stays the same, and it is shorter.
    It might rain.
  4. Write the answer.
    It might rain.

Check. might shows the same possibility. ✓

Exercise 2B  Practice: modal verbs and modal adverbs

1
FWhich modal verb shows possibility in: The clouds are dark, so it ___ rain soon. Choose one: must, should or might.
2
FWhich modal verb gives advice in: You ___ brush your teeth before bed. Choose one: might, should or will.
3
FWhich modal verb shows a future plan in: I ___ help you with the washing up tomorrow. Choose one: will, might or could.
4
FWrite the modal verb that shows a rule: Everyone ___ wash their hands before lunch. Write one word.
5
FWrite the word that shows the writer is unsure: ___, the bus will be late. Write one word.
6
FWhich modal adverb shows the writer is certain? ___ the shop will be closed on Sunday. Choose one: Perhaps, Surely or Maybe.
7
PSRewrite using might: It is possible that Lena will come.
8
FIs this sentence correct? He musts finish his homework first. Choose one: True or False.
9
PSWrite the base form that follows the modal verb in: The ice might crack if it gets warm. Write one word.
10
PSFind the mistake and write the corrected verb phrase: She will to bring a snack.
11
PSWrite a sentence that uses might to show a possibility.
12
RWhich sentence shows the writer is more certain? Write the sentence: It might be a mistake. or It must be a mistake.
2.3

Keeping tense consistent

Year 6
Keep tense consistent within a sentence and a paragraph (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Keeping tense consistentComing soon
Story. Kai writes about his holiday. "Yesterday, we went to the beach. We swim in the cold sea, and then we eat chips on the sand." Read it again. Which verbs are in the wrong tense?

Rule

Keep the same tense in a paragraph, unless the time really changes. If one verb is in the past tense, the other verbs in that sentence and paragraph should also be in the past tense.

A change of tense must be for a reason, such as moving from a past story to a present fact.

Key ideas

  • Keep to one tense in a passage, unless the time changes.
  • Check every verb in a sentence after a connective such as and or then.
  • A mixed tense can make a reader lose track of when things happen.
Worked example 2.3.1
Find the verb in the wrong tense and write it correctly: Yesterday, we went to the beach. We swim in the cold sea.

Method. Find the tense of the first sentence, then change the other verbs to match.

  1. Find the tense. Went is in the past tense, so the paragraph is in the past.
    went
  2. Find the verb in the wrong tense. Swim is in the present tense, so it does not match.
    swim
  3. Write the past tense. The past tense of swim is swam.
    swam
  4. Write the answer.
    swam

Check. swam matches went. ✓

Watch out. Irregular verbs change completely, not by adding ed.

Worked example 2.3.2
Which verb keeps the tense consistent? Yesterday, the wind blew hard, and the trees ___ over. Choose the verb form. Write one word.

Method. The sentence starts in the past, so the verb must be in the past.

  1. Find the tense. Blew is in the past tense.
    blew
  2. Choose the past form. Fell is the past tense of fall.
    fell
  3. Check the others. Falling and falls are not the past tense.
    fell
  4. Write the answer.
    fell

Check. fell matches blew. ✓

Worked example 2.3.3
Rewrite so the tense is consistent: We open the gate and walked in.

Method. Change the verb in the wrong tense to match the first verb.

  1. Find the first tense. Open is in the present tense.
    open
  2. Find the wrong verb. Walked is in the past tense.
    walked
  3. Change it to present. Walk is the present tense that matches open.
    walk
  4. Write the answer.
    We open the gate and walk in.

Check. open and walk are both present. ✓

Exercise 2C  Practice: keeping tense consistent

1
FWhich verb completes this sentence? Yesterday, Sam ___ to the park and played football. Choose one: went, goes or going.
2
FFind the two verbs that do not match the past tense in: Last week we visit the zoo and see a lion. Write both corrected verbs, in order.
3
FRewrite so the tense is consistent: The cat sleeps on the chair and the dog chased it.
4
FIs the tense consistent? Every morning, Mum drove us to school, and we walk to the gate. Choose one: True or False.
5
FWhich verb completes a consistent past tense? The rain stopped, and the sun ___ out. Choose one: came, comes or coming.
6
PSCorrect the tense: The boat sails at dawn and we ate breakfast on deck. Write the corrected sentence.
7
FWrite two sentences in the past tense about a visit to the beach.
8
PSFind the verb in the wrong tense in: Yesterday, I make a cake and it was lovely. Write the correct verb.
9
PSIs the tense consistent? We walked to the shops, bought some milk and head home. Choose one: True or False.
10
PSWrite the verb form in the present tense: Every winter, the geese fly south and ___ (rest) on warm lakes. Write one word.
11
RExplain why changing tense in the middle of a paragraph can confuse a reader.
12
PSRewrite in the present tense: The girl ran into the room and shouted for help.
2.4

The subjunctive in formal use

Year 6
Use the subjunctive in formal English, e.g. if I were; it is vital that he attend (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The subjunctive in formal useComing soon
Story. The head teacher writes to parents: "It is vital that every pupil attends the meeting. If I were you, I would read the letter carefully. The rules insist that each form be signed."

Rule

The subjunctive is used in some formal sentences. It is most often used in two ways:

1. if I were, for an imagined or unreal situation, where were is used for every person.

2. after words such as it is vital that, it is essential that, insist that, suggest that, the verb takes the base form: it is vital that he attend, not attends.

Key ideas

  • If I were you: use were, not was, in an imagined situation.
  • After it is vital that, or insist that, use the base form: attend, be, arrive.
  • These forms sound formal, so use them in formal writing.
Worked example 2.4.1
Which word completes: If I ___ the winner, I would celebrate. Write one word.

Method. The subjunctive uses were for an imagined situation after if.

  1. Find the imagined situation. I am not the winner; it is imagined.
    If I were the winner
  2. Choose the subjunctive form. Were is the subjunctive form after if.
    were
  3. Check the others. Was and am are not used in this subjunctive form.
    were
  4. Write the answer.
    were

Check. were is used in an imagined situation. ✓

Watch out. Use were, even with I, in this formal use.

Worked example 2.4.2
Choose the correct verb: It is vital that everyone ___ on time. Write one word.

Method. After it is vital that, the verb takes the base form.

  1. Find the trigger words. It is vital that starts the subjunctive.
    it is vital that
  2. Choose the base form. The base form of the verb is arrive, with no s.
    arrive
  3. Check the others. Arrives and arrived are not the base form.
    arrive
  4. Write the answer.
    arrive

Check. arrive is the base form. ✓

Worked example 2.4.3
Write the correct form: The head teacher insists that the pupils ___ their bags in the hall. (leave)

Method. After insist that, the verb takes the base form.

  1. Find the trigger. Insists that is followed by the subjunctive.
    insists that
  2. Use the base form. The base form of leave is leave.
    leave
  3. Check the tense. The sentence is about a rule now, so no past form is needed.
    leave
  4. Write the answer.
    leave

Check. leave is the base form after insists that. ✓

Exercise 2D  Practice: the subjunctive in formal use

1
FWhich word completes: I wish I ___ able to fly. Choose one: was, were or am.
2
FWhich form completes: It is essential that the form ___ signed before Friday. Choose one: is, be or was.
3
FWrite the correct form: The rules require that every player ___ a helmet. (wear) Write one word.
4
FIs the verb correct? It is vital that she attends the meeting. Choose one: True or False.
5
FFind the mistake and write the correct sentence: If I was you, I would ask for help.
6
PSWrite the correct verb: The committee recommends that the report ___ circulated to all members. (be) Write one word.
7
PSWhich is the subjunctive? If he ___ here now, he would help. Choose one: was, were or is.
8
PSWrite one formal sentence that uses the subjunctive after it is essential that.
9
PSWrite the correct verb: I suggest that he ___ (apologise) to the class. Write one word.
10
PSWhich form completes: If it ___ sunny, we would have a picnic. Choose one: was or were.
11
RExplain why were is used in If I were the king, rather than was.
12
PSWrite the subjunctive form: It is vital that the children ___ (sit) the test in silence. Write one word.
2.5

Verb forms in context

Year 6
Use the present perfect, the past perfect, modal verbs and the subjunctive in context (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Verb forms in contextComing soon
Story. Mrs Okafor is writing a note to parents about the museum trip. She checks each verb in her note before she sends it.

Rule

Check each verb in the whole sentence: the helping verb, the participle, the modal verb and the base form.

Check the tense across the sentence and the paragraph.

Key ideas

  • Has or have plus the past participle makes the present perfect.
  • A modal verb is followed by the base form.
  • Read the whole sentence before choosing a verb form.
Worked example 2.5.1
Find and correct the error: The coach has left before the children boarded. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. The first action happened before the second past action, so use the past perfect.

  1. Find the two past actions. The coach left, and then the children boarded.
    coach left / children boarded
  2. Choose the earlier form. The earlier action takes had + past participle.
    had left
  3. Write the sentence. Only has changes to had.
    The coach had left before the children boarded.
  4. Write the answer.
    The coach had left before the children boarded.

Check. had left is earlier than boarded. ✓

Worked example 2.5.2
Find and correct the error: Perhaps we should leaving early, because the sky looks dark. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. After a modal verb, the main verb is the base form.

  1. Find the modal verb. Should is the modal verb.
    should
  2. Find the wrong verb. Leaving should be the base form.
    leaving
  3. Use the base form. Leave is the base form, with no -ing.
    leave
  4. Write the answer.
    Perhaps we should leave early, because the sky looks dark.

Check. should is followed by leave. ✓

Worked example 2.5.3
Correct the formal sentence: If I was the head, I will change the rule. Write the corrected sentence.

Method. Use the subjunctive were, and match the modal in the main clause.

  1. Correct the subjunctive. After if in an imagined situation, use were.
    were
  2. Correct the modal. In an imagined sentence, would matches were.
    would
  3. Write the sentence. The rest of the sentence stays the same.
    If I were the head, I would change the rule.
  4. Write the answer.
    If I were the head, I would change the rule.

Check. were and would match the imagined situation. ✓

Exercise 2E  Practice: verb forms in context

1
FWhich verb form fits: Ali ___ his bike, so he cannot ride to school today. Choose one: has broken, broke or breaks.
2
FFind the mistake: Yesterday, the bus was late, so we walks to school. Write the correct verb.
3
FIs the modal verb correct? You must to finish the form before lunch. Choose one: True or False.
4
PSRewrite using a modal verb to show possibility: Perhaps the train is late. Write the sentence.
5
PSWrite the subjunctive form: I wish she ___ here. Write one word.
6
PSWhich phrase completes the sentence? By the time the film ended, we ___ all the popcorn. Choose one: had eaten, have eaten or eat.
7
FIs this sentence in the correct form? She has began her project. Choose one: True or False.
8
FRewrite the verb in the present perfect: The children finish their lunch. Write the verb form only.
9
PSWrite a formal sentence that uses the subjunctive after suggest that.
10
PSCorrect the verb: The letter must arrives before Friday. Write the corrected sentence.
11
RWhich modal verb shows the writer is most certain? It ___ be the winner, because the score is clear. Choose one: might, should or must.
12
PSFind and correct the two errors in: If he was here, he will help us. Write the corrected sentence.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Present perfecthas or have + past participle; links a past action to now (has finished).
Past perfecthad + past participle; an earlier past action (had left before we arrived).
Modal verbmight, should, will, must; followed by the base form (might rain).
Modal adverbperhaps, surely; shows how sure the writer is.
Consistent tenseKeep one tense in a passage unless the time really changes.
Subjunctiveif I were; after it is vital that, insist that: the base form (attend).

Can you…?

  • I can use has or have with a past participle for the present perfect
  • I can use had with a past participle for an earlier past action
  • I can choose a modal verb or modal adverb that shows the right degree of possibility
  • I can keep the tense consistent in a sentence and a paragraph
  • I can use were after if, and the base form after it is vital that

Key terms

past participle
the form of a verb used after has, have or had, such as broken or written
present perfect
has or have plus the past participle, linked to now
past perfect
had plus the past participle, for an earlier past action
modal verb
a verb such as might, should or must that changes the meaning of the main verb
modal adverb
an adverb such as perhaps or surely that shows how sure the writer is
subjunctive
a verb form, such as were or the base form, used in formal and imagined situations
base form
the verb without any ending, such as go or attend

Exercise 2Z  Check-up

1
Which verb form completes: Yesterday, by the time Dad arrived, Mia ___ her homework. Choose one: had finished, has finished or finishes.
2
Write the present perfect of take in: Our class ___ part in the quiz. Write the verb form only.
3
Which modal verb shows possibility? The sky is grey, so it ___ snow. Choose one: might, must or should.
4
Write the modal adverb that shows the writer is not sure: ___ the library is closed today. Write one word.
5
Rewrite so the tense is consistent: Yesterday we walk to the shop and bought bread.
6
Is the verb correct? We have already ate our lunch. Choose one: True or False.
7
Write the correct verb: It is vital that he ___ (attend) the meeting. Write one word.
8
Write the correct form: If I ___ (be) you, I would apologise. Write one word.
9
Write a sentence with a modal verb and a base verb that shows obligation.
10
Correct the sentence so that both verbs are in the past tense: The river flood the fields, and the farmers move their sheep.

Total 13 marks. Allow about 13 minutes.

Exercise 2X  Practice test questions

1
FWhich verb form completes: By the time we got home, our dog ___ asleep. Choose one: had fallen, has fallen or falls.[1 mark]
2
FWrite the modal verb that shows strong certainty: The plane ___ be landing now, because its lights are on. Write one word.[1 mark]
3
PSCorrect the sentence: If I was the captain, I will choose the team. Write the corrected sentence.[2 marks]
4
FWhich modal adverb shows the writer is certain? ___ the team will win the final. Choose one: Perhaps, Surely or Possibly.[1 mark]
5
FIs the tense consistent? Last year we visit Spain and saw the mountains. Choose one: True or False.[1 mark]
6
PSWrite the correct verb: The rules state that each entry ___ (be) signed by a parent. Write one word.[1 mark]
7
PSWrite one sentence in the perfect that shows a past action is still important now.[2 marks]
8
PSFind and correct the mistake: She has began to write her story. Write the corrected verb phrase.[1 mark]
9
FWhich modal verb gives advice? You ___ check the weather before you set off. Choose one: might, should or will.[1 mark]
10
RExplain why the verb in It is essential that she be on time is in the base form.[2 marks]
← Chapter 1: Word classes and clausesChapter 3: Active and passive voice, formal and informal, cohesion →

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