Worksheet for identifying modal verbs in sentences.

Problem:

The task is to identify the modal verbs in the given sentences and determine which modal verb is being used in each sentence. The modal verbs listed are:

- Can (shows ability or permission)
- Will (shows future action)
- Must (shows necessity)
- Might (shows possibility)
- Should (shows advice or expectation)
- Could (shows possibility, request, or past ability)
- May (shows possibility, giving permission, or asking for permission)
- Would (shows what would happen under a certain condition)

Solution:

Let's analyze each sentence and identify the modal verb used:

1. He may have written the funniest story I have ever read!
- Modal verb: may
- Explanation: "May" shows possibility here, indicating that it is possible he wrote the funniest story.

2. Many of the guests were not hungry, so there should be plenty of food left over.
- Modal verb: should
- Explanation: "Should" shows expectation or assumption, suggesting that there will likely be plenty of food left over.

3. After Lily opened the window, she could feel how warm it was already.
- Modal verb: could
- Explanation: "Could" shows past ability, indicating that she was able to feel the warmth after opening the window.

4. I think Dad will fall asleep if he has to wait at the mall any longer.
- Modal verb: will
- Explanation: "Will" shows future action, predicting that Dad will fall asleep if he waits longer.

5. Bill and Emily can ride their bikes up and down hills.
- Modal verb: can
- Explanation: "Can" shows ability, indicating that Bill and Emily are capable of riding their bikes up and down hills.

6. You may go to the park, but don’t stay there too late.
- Modal verb: may
- Explanation: "May" shows permission, allowing someone to go to the park but with a condition.

7. Scientists discovered that elephants can hear with their feet.
- Modal verb: can
- Explanation: "Can" shows ability, indicating that elephants are capable of hearing with their feet.

8. When I saw the decorations, I knew it would be a fun party.
- Modal verb: would
- Explanation: "Would" shows what would happen under a certain condition, indicating that the party would be fun based on the decorations.

9. Nathaniel must leave the house now or he will miss his flight!
- Modal verb: must
- Explanation: "Must" shows necessity, emphasizing that Nathaniel needs to leave immediately to avoid missing his flight.

10. It might rain this afternoon, so you should bring your umbrella.
- Modal verb: might
- Explanation: "Might" shows possibility, indicating that there is a chance it will rain this afternoon.

Final Answer:

1. may
2. should
3. could
4. will
5. can
6. may
7. can
8. would
9. must
10. might

$$
\boxed{\text{may, should, could, will, can, may, can, would, must, might}}
$$