Free Year 6 Modal Verbs Worksheet
Students learn that modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would) sit before a main verb and change its force: how certain, how necessary, how polite. They identify modals, compare their strength, choose the modal that fits the situation, and use modals to adjust tone. Choosing the right modal is essential for persuasive writing and for understanding instructions, rules and advice.
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- Year
- Year 6
- Subject
- English
- Topic
- Verbs & Tenses
- Difficulty
- Level 2 · Standard
- Estimated time
- 15 minutes
- Curriculum
- Australian Curriculum
- Questions
- 17
- Answers
- Included, with working
- Format
- PDF (A4) + print
Students will practise
- identifying modal verbs
- comparing the strength of modal verbs
- choosing modals for certainty, obligation and permission
- using modals to control tone in writing
Curriculum: Australian Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.
What's next?
Completed: Modal Verbs
How to use this worksheet
- Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
- Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
- Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
- Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.
Common questions
Who is this worksheet for?
Year 6 students (typically ages 11–12) working on verbs & tenses. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.
Are the answers included?
Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes for 17 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.
Do I need to sign up to download?
No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.
What should we do next?
Try Semicolons and Colons.
Preview
Year 6 · English · Verbs & Tenses
Modal Verbs
Student name:
Date:
Score: /
Modals change how certain, necessary or polite a sentence sounds.
Part A — Find the modal
A modal verb comes before the main verb and changes its meaning. The modals are: *can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would*. Circle the modal.
- AYou
- Bmust
- Cwear
- Dhelmet
- AWe
- Bmight
- Cgo
- Dcamping
- AShe
- Bspeak
- Ccan
- Dlanguages
- Adrink
- Bshould
- Cwater
- DYou
Part B — How strong is it?
Modals range from weak (*might, could*) to strong (*must, will*). Circle the answer.
- AYou could tidy your room.
- BYou might tidy your room.
- CYou must tidy your room.
- DYou may tidy your room.
- AIt will rain.
- BIt might rain.
- CIt is raining.
- DIt is going to rain.
- AI will leave now.
- BMust I leave now?
- CMay I leave now?
- DI leave now.
- AYou should see a doctor.
- BYou can see a doctor.
- CYou will see a doctor.
- DYou might see a doctor.
- AThe team may win.
- BThe team could win.
- CThe team will win.
- DThe team might win.
- AYou must try the pie.
- BYou could try the pie.
- CYou will try the pie.
- DYou shall try the pie.
Part C — Choose the modal
Write the modal verb that fits the meaning.
Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.
Verbs & Tenses in other year levels
- Subject–Verb Agreement
Worksheet · Year 5 · Verbs & Tenses · Level 2 · Standard
About this resource
- Created by
- Success Tutoring
- Last reviewed
- 1 October 2026
- How it was made
- Written by our team
Free to print and share for personal, classroom and homeschool use. Please don't resell. Spotted an error? Let us know.