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What are modal verbs?

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Modal verbs are verbs that indicate likelihood, ability, permission or obligation.

Words like:

  • can/could
  • may/might
  • will/would
  • shall/should
  • must

For example:

The sea monster should go away

In this sentence 'should' is the modal verb as it indicates the likelihood of the sea monster going away.

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Watch: Modal verbs

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Activity 1

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Activity 2

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Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers. game

Use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission!

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