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Modal verbs | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

Khan Academy

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Warm-up Questions

What do you think “modal verbs” are used for in English?
Which modal verbs do you already know (for example: can, should, must)?
Why might modal verbs be called “helper verbs”?

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Modal verbs | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

What modal verbs are and what they express (00:00 – 00:58)

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1. What are modal verbs described as in the video?

Main verbs that show actions
Adjectives that describe nouns
Auxiliary (helper) verbs with special properties
Prepositions that show location

2. Which idea is part of “modality” as explained here?

Choosing the correct punctuation
Comparing adjectives (bigger, biggest)
Making nouns plural
Expressing conditions like possibility, permission, or obligation

3. Which list contains only modal verbs as given in the roll call?

May, making, must, can, talk, should, will, went
Can, do, did, done, will, would, being
May, might, must, can, could, shall, should, will, would
Should, must, have, has, had, might, will

Modal verbs | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

Two special grammar properties of modals (00:58 – 02:12)

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1. What happens to a modal verb when the subject changes (I/you/she/they)?

It changes to a past form automatically
It adds -s with he/she/it
It needs “do/does” in all sentences
It stays the same form

2. What does the speaker say about infinitives for modal verbs?

Modals don’t have infinitives (no “to” form like “to could”)
Infinitives are optional with modals
Only “will” has an infinitive form
All modals have infinitives like “to may”

3. Why is “I want to should” wrong according to the speaker?

Because “should” is only used in questions
Because “should” must always be followed by “to”
Because “to should” is ungrammatical across varieties of English
Because “want” cannot be used with verbs

Modal verbs | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

Examples: must, may, can, would, should, will/shall (02:12 – 04:53)

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1. In the detective example (“He must have gone that way!”), what meaning does “must” express?

Advice
High likelihood (a strong guess)
Future plans
Permission

2. Which example in the video shows “may” used for permission?

I can eat ten pounds of broccoli!
You must remove your shoes.
It may rain.
You may enter.

3. What is described as special about “will” (and to a lesser extent “shall”)?

They can form the future
They always express ability
They form the passive voice
They are the only modals that take “to”

Modal verbs | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

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1. Which meaning is NOT mentioned as something modal verbs can express in the video?

Past continuous actions
Permission
Obligation/requirement
Possibility

2. Which sentence follows the rule that modals don’t change with the subject?

He coulds do it.
She cans do it.
They can do it.
I wills do it.

3. Which sentence matches the idea that modals don’t have an infinitive (“to” form)?

I want to be able to swim.
I hope to may go.
I decided to should study.
I want to can swim.

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Modal verbs | The parts of speech | Grammar | Khan Academy

In your language, do you have words that express possibility, permission, and obligation like English modals do? Give examples.
What is the difference between “must” (obligation) and “must” (strong guess)? Can you make one sentence of each type?
When do you use “may” vs. “can” for permission? Do you think one sounds more formal?
Which modal verb is the hardest for you to use correctly (might, would, should, etc.) and why?