Modal Verbs Worksheet for 10-Year-Olds | English Grammar Practice (can, could, must, should)

Instructions

Modal verbs are special "helper" verbs! They work with another verb to show things like ability (what you can do), permission (what you may do), possibility (what might happen), or obligation (what you must do). Let's practice using them!

Common Modal Verbs: can, could, may, might, will, would, should, must

Activity 1: Fill in the Blanks

Choose the best modal verb from the word bank to complete each sentence. Use each word only once.

1. You _______________ finish your homework before you play video games.
2. Look at those dark clouds! It _______________ rain soon.
3. My older sister _______________ run a marathon; she is very fast!
4. _______________ I please have a glass of water?
5. When I was three years old, I _______________ not tie my own shoes.
6. You _______________ always say "thank you" when someone helps you.

Activity 2: What Does it Mean?

Match the sentence on the left with the correct meaning of the modal verb on the right.

Activity 3: Rewrite the Sentence

Change the following sentences by adding a modal verb to give them a new meaning. The first one is done for you.

Example: I go to the party.
Rewrite using "will": I will go to the party.

1. You eat your broccoli.
   Rewrite using "should" (to give advice): __________________________________________________


2. She plays the piano.
   Rewrite using "can" (to show ability): __________________________________________________


3. He calls his grandparents.
   Rewrite using "must" (to show obligation): __________________________________________________


4. We see a movie this weekend.
   Rewrite using "might" (to show possibility): __________________________________________________

Answer Key

Activity 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. You must finish your homework before you play video games.
2. Look at those dark clouds! It might rain soon.
3. My older sister can run a marathon; she is very fast!
4. May I please have a glass of water?
5. When I was three years old, I could not tie my own shoes.
6. You should always say "thank you" when someone helps you.

Activity 2: What Does it Mean?

1. D. Ability
2. E. Obligation
3. B. Advice
4. A. Possibility
5. C. Permission

Activity 3: Rewrite the Sentence

(Answers should be similar to the following)

1. You should eat your broccoli.
2. She can play the piano.
3. He must call his grandparents.
4. We might see a movie this weekend.