Modal Verbs and Passive Voice
Match Modal Verb to Its Meaning
Draw a line to match each modal verb to what it expresses.
Identify the Modal Verb
Underline the modal verb in each sentence. Write what it expresses: Very Certain / Probable / Possible / Advice / Permission.
1. You must wear a helmet when cycling. Modal: ____________ Meaning: ____________________________
2. It might snow overnight. Modal: ____________ Meaning: ____________________________
3. She could have won the race if she had trained harder. Modal: ____________ Meaning: ____________________________
4. You should review your notes before the test. Modal: ____________ Meaning: ____________________________
5. The parcel will arrive on Tuesday. Modal: ____________ Meaning: ____________________________
Circle the Modal Verb
Circle the modal verb in each sentence.
Scientists have discovered that coral reefs could disappear by 2100.
You should always read the instructions before starting.
The team will play in the final next Saturday.
This medicine must be taken with food.
Sort Modal Verbs by Certainty Level
Sort these modal verbs from least certain to most certain.
Active to Passive
Rewrite each active sentence in the passive voice. Decide whether to include 'by + agent' or leave it out.
Active: The students cleaned the classroom. Passive: ________________________________________________
Active: The chef prepared three courses. Passive: ________________________________________________
Active: Someone broke the window. Passive (leave out the agent): ___________________________
Active: Scientists have discovered a new species. Passive: ________________________________________________
Active or Passive?
Circle whether each sentence is written in active or passive voice.
The ancient ruins were discovered by archaeologists.
The crowd cheered loudly when the goal was scored.
Heavy rain flooded several suburbs last night.
Three suspects have been arrested.
The committee approved the new policy last week.
Why Passive? Analyse the Choice
Explain in one or two sentences why the writer may have chosen passive voice in each example.
1. 'Mistakes were made.' (common in political statements) Why passive? ________________________________________________
2. 'The ancient temple was constructed approximately 2000 years ago.' (archaeology article) Why passive? ________________________________________________
Write your own passive sentence in which you deliberately want to avoid naming who did something.
Modal Verb Hunt — The Weather Forecast
Listen to or read a weather forecast and find examples of modal verbs. Weather forecasters are experts at expressing degrees of certainty.
- 1Listen to or read a weather forecast — TV, radio, or online.
- 2Write down three modal verbs you hear or read.
- 3For each one, write what it expresses: certain / probable / possible / advice.
- 4Discuss: why does the forecaster use 'might' rather than 'will'? What happens if they are wrong?
Sort: Why Was Passive Used?
Sort each passive sentence into the column that best explains WHY the passive was used.
Modal Verbs in Formal Writing
Formal writing uses specific modal verbs to express obligation, possibility, and advice professionally. Rewrite each sentence using the modal verb that best fits the formal context.
Informal: 'You have to fill in this form.' Formal (use 'must' or 'are required to'): ___________________
Informal: 'You might want to check the instructions.' Formal (use 'should' or 'are advised to'): _________________
Informal: 'You can ask for a refund.' Formal (use 'may' or 'are entitled to'): ___________________
Rewrite Using Modal Verbs
Rewrite each sentence using a modal verb to express the degree of certainty indicated in brackets.
Original: 'She knows the answer.' Express POSSIBILITY: ________________________________________
Express ADVICE: ____________________________________________
Express OBLIGATION: ________________________________________
Match Passive Sentence to Its Active Version
Draw a line to match each passive sentence with its active equivalent.
From Science Notes to Report
These are informal notes from a science experiment. Rewrite them as three formal report sentences using passive voice.
Notes: 'We put 50mL of water in a beaker, then we heated it for two minutes, and we recorded the temperature every 30 seconds.' Report sentence 1 (passive): ____________________________________
Report sentence 2 (passive): ____________________________________
Report sentence 3 (passive): ____________________________________
Modal Verb — Sort by Function
Sort these sentences into the correct column based on what the modal verb is expressing.
Write a Weather Forecast Using Modal Verbs
Write a 5–7 sentence weather forecast for tomorrow using at least four different modal verbs. Each modal should express a different degree of certainty.
Tomorrow's weather forecast:
List the four modal verbs you used and what each expressed:
Passive to Active — Political Language
Rewrite each passive sentence in active voice. Then explain what changes when the doer is named explicitly.
Passive: 'Several schools have been closed due to budget pressures.' Active: ________________________________________________
What changes — in terms of accountability and impact — when you name who closed the schools?
Passive: 'It has been decided that the park will no longer be maintained.' Active: ________________________________________________
Why might a government or organisation prefer the passive version?
Active or Passive — Sort the Sentences
Sort these sentences into Active Voice or Passive Voice.
Write a Passive Science Report Paragraph
Write a 5–6 sentence paragraph describing a science experiment in passive voice. You can invent the experiment or use one you have done.
Write your science report paragraph here, using passive voice throughout:
Analyse Modal Verbs in a Text
Read the extract below. Identify and analyse the modal verbs used.
Extract from a school policy document: 'All students must behave respectfully at all times. Students should resolve conflicts peacefully and may seek support from any staff member. Bullying will not be tolerated and may result in suspension. Students who witness bullying should report it immediately.' List all four modal verbs in the extract:
What does the variety of modal verbs (must, should, may, will) tell you about the different levels of obligation being expressed?
Modal Verb Diary
For one day, notice every time you use or hear a modal verb. Keep a tally of which modal verbs appear most often in everyday conversation.
- 1Keep a small tally sheet: will / would / can / could / may / might / should / must / shall.
- 2Mark each time you hear or use each modal verb over one day.
- 3At the end of the day, analyse: which were most common? Which were least common?
- 4Discuss what this tells you about everyday levels of certainty, obligation, and politeness.
The Effect of Voice in Storytelling
Read the two versions of the same event. Answer the questions about how voice choice affects the reader's experience.
Version A (Active): 'The knight slew the dragon. He raised his sword above his head and drove it into the creature's chest. The people cheered.' Version B (Passive): 'The dragon was slain. A sword was driven into its chest. Cheering could be heard across the village.' Which version puts the knight at the centre of the story? Explain.
Which version creates more emotional distance? What effect does this have?
When might an author choose passive voice even in an exciting action scene? Think of one reason.
Analyse Grammar in a News Article
Find a short news article (3–5 paragraphs) from a reliable source. Analyse how it uses passive voice and modal verbs.
Article headline and source:
Find two examples of passive voice in the article. Write each sentence and explain why passive was used:
Find one example of a modal verb. What does it express?
Write a Formal Notification Using Modal + Passive
Write a short formal notification (4–6 sentences) informing students that a school excursion has been cancelled. Use passive voice at least twice and two different modal verbs.
Write your formal notification here:
Underline the passive constructions and circle the modal verbs in your notification.
Classify Modal Verbs — Core vs Marginal
Sort the following into Core Modal Verbs (the 'classic' nine) or Marginal / Semi-Modal (emerging or less clear-cut).
Analyse Passive Voice in a Historical Text
Read the extract and answer the questions about how passive voice affects its meaning and impact.
Extract: 'In 1788, the land was claimed by the British Crown. Indigenous peoples were displaced from their traditional lands, and their cultures were suppressed for generations. Much was lost that could never be recovered.' List three passive constructions from the extract:
Who are the missing agents (doers) in these passive sentences? Why might the text have omitted them?
Rewrite the first sentence in active voice. How does naming the agent change the impact?
Write a Persuasive Paragraph Using Modal Verbs
Write a persuasive paragraph (5–7 sentences) on a topic of your choice. Use at least three different modal verbs to express obligation, possibility, and ability.
Topic and position: ____________________________________________ Persuasive paragraph:
Identify your three modal verbs and what each expresses:
Comparative Analysis: Active vs Passive in Literature
Find a paragraph from a novel or story that uses mostly active voice. Then find a paragraph that uses passive voice. Compare the effects of each.
Active voice paragraph (title and page/chapter): _______________________ Copy or summarise it here:
Passive voice paragraph (title and page/chapter): ____________________ Copy or summarise it here:
Compare the effects: what does each voice achieve in its context?
Grammar Detectives — Passive Voice in Product Labels
Look at five product labels in your home — food packets, cleaning products, medicine bottles, electronics manuals. Count how many passive constructions you find.
- 1Find five labels and note any passive constructions on each.
- 2Ask: why does each label use passive voice rather than active?
- 3Find one label that uses active voice — what makes it different?
- 4Record your five best examples in your grammar journal.
Rewrite a Scene — Active to Passive for Effect
Take an exciting, fast-paced scene from a book you are reading. Rewrite it using passive voice. Then explain the effect this creates and when a writer might deliberately choose this approach.
Original active scene (summarised or quoted):
Rewritten in passive voice:
What effect does the passive rewrite create? When might a writer choose this deliberately?
Extended Analysis: Grammar in a Political Speech
Read a short excerpt from a political speech (you can find one online or use the provided extract). Analyse the use of modal verbs and active/passive voice.
Extract: 'We will build a stronger economy. Jobs will be created. Every family must have access to quality healthcare, and schools should be funded properly. Together, we can achieve a fairer Australia.' List all modal verbs in the extract and what each expresses:
Find examples of passive voice. What is the effect of each?
How do the grammar choices help the speaker connect with the audience and build their argument?
Create a Grammar Reference Card
Create a one-page grammar reference card summarising what you have learned about modal verbs and passive voice. Include: definition, examples, and when to use each.
MODAL VERBS — Definition, list, and three example sentences:
PASSIVE VOICE — Definition, formula (structure), and when to use it:
COMBINED CONSTRUCTIONS — Two examples of modal + passive:
Grammar Concepts — Consolidation Sort
Sort each example sentence into the correct category.
Synthesis Writing: Grammar in Your Own Creative Work
Write a short creative piece (8–10 sentences) — a news report, a science report, or a short story extract — in which you deliberately and intentionally use both active and passive voice AND at least three modal verbs. Annotate three of your grammatical choices.
Your piece (news report / science report / story extract):
Annotation 1 — quote the sentence, name the grammatical feature, explain why you chose it:
Annotation 2 — quote the sentence, name the grammatical feature, explain why you chose it:
Annotation 3 — quote the sentence, name the grammatical feature, explain why you chose it:
Final Reflection: Grammar as a Tool
Write a 4–6 sentence reflection on what you have learned about modal verbs and passive voice. Include at least one example from your own writing during this worksheet.
What is the most useful thing you have learned about modal verbs?
What is the most useful thing you have learned about passive voice?
How will you apply both of these skills in your writing going forward?
Grammar in the Real World — Final Challenge
Find one real-world text that uses passive voice and modal verbs together for a clear purpose. Bring it to your next study session and present your analysis.
- 1Find a text that uses passive voice and modal verbs together.
- 2Note: what is the text's purpose? Who wrote it? Who is the intended audience?
- 3Identify two passive constructions and explain why passive was used.
- 4Identify two modal verbs and explain what they express.
- 5Present your analysis to your parent: what do the grammar choices tell you about the text's purpose and the writer's attitude?
Rewrite a Recipe Using Active Voice
Traditional recipe instructions often use passive constructions ('The vegetables are chopped', 'The sauce is stirred'). Rewrite the instructions in active voice with a clear 'you' subject.
Original: '1. The potatoes are washed and peeled. 2. The onions are diced finely. 3. The butter is melted in a large pan. 4. The vegetables are added and cooked until soft. 5. The soup is blended until smooth.' Active voice rewrite (who is doing each action?):
Which version sounds more engaging for a reader? Explain:
Sort: Modal Verbs by Social Function
Sort these modal verb sentences by their social function in communication.
Compare Voice Choices in Two Genres
Find one page from an action novel and one page from a science textbook. Compare the use of active and passive voice in each.
Action novel — title and page: _______________________________ Proportion of active vs passive sentences (estimate): Effect of the voice choice on the reader's experience:
Science textbook — title and page: ___________________________ Proportion of active vs passive sentences (estimate): Effect of the voice choice on the reader's experience:
What does this comparison confirm about the relationship between genre and grammatical voice choice?
Write a Formal Complaint Using Modal Verbs
Write a formal complaint email (6–8 sentences) about a broken product. Use at least three modal verbs to express obligation, expectation, and polite request. Use passive voice at least once.
Complaint email:
Identify the modal verbs you used and what each expresses:
Circle the More Formal Modal
In each pair, circle the modal verb more appropriate for a formal document.
Applicants ___ submit their forms before the deadline.
You ___ contact us if you require further information.
The committee ___ review all applications within 28 days.
Participants ___ wear appropriate footwear at all times.
Grammar in a Science Report — Full Paragraph
Write a complete science report paragraph (6–8 sentences) about any experiment you can recall or invent. Use passive voice throughout and include at least two modal verbs to express expected results or scientific caution.
Experiment description: ____________________________________ Science report paragraph:
Identify your passive constructions (underline or list them):
Identify your modal verbs and what each expresses:
Sort: Active or Passive — Which Is Better Here?
For each context, sort into whether active or passive voice is the better choice.
Annotate a Passage for Voice and Modality
Read the passage. Underline all passive constructions in one colour and circle all modal verbs in another. Then write three analytical sentences about the grammatical choices.
Passage: 'Visitors should be aware that the site may be closed in extreme weather conditions. Entry fees must be paid at the kiosk upon arrival. Photography is permitted in all outdoor areas, but flash photography must not be used in the cave systems. If assistance is required, staff can be contacted at the information centre.' List all passive constructions:
List all modal verbs and what each expresses:
Write three analytical sentences about why the grammatical choices in this text are appropriate for its purpose:
Grammar Reference Card — Modal Verbs and Voice
Create a compact grammar reference card summarising: the core modal verbs and their meanings, the passive voice formula, and when to use each voice.
Core modal verbs (list at least 8 with their main meaning):
Passive voice formula: ___ + ___ Three contexts where passive is the better choice:
Active voice: three contexts where it is preferred:
Write a News Article Using Both Active and Passive Voice
Write a short news article (8–10 sentences) about a fictional local event. Use active voice for the exciting action and passive voice for background information or when the doer is unknown. Use at least two modal verbs.
Fictional event: _______________________________________________ News article:
Highlight one active sentence and one passive sentence and explain your choice of voice for each:
Grammar Journal — Week Reflection
Write a week's grammar journal — one entry per day (5 entries) noting a modal verb or passive construction you encountered in your reading, viewing, or conversations. For each, note: the example, the context, and why the grammatical choice was made.
Day 1: Example and analysis:
Day 2: Example and analysis:
Day 3: Example and analysis:
Day 4: Example and analysis:
Day 5: Example and analysis:
Grammar Detective — A Week of Observation
Over one week, collect five examples of interesting grammar in the wild — modal verbs or passive constructions used for a clear purpose. Bring them back and discuss what each reveals about the writer's choices.
- 1Look at product packaging, government leaflets, and safety notices.
- 2Notice modal verbs in TV news broadcasts and weather forecasts.
- 3Find passive constructions in science or history textbooks.
- 4Look for passive voice in political statements and press releases.
- 5Bring your five examples to the next study session to discuss.
Final Extended Writing: Grammar in a Historical Speech
Find a short excerpt from a famous historical speech. Analyse how modal verbs and/or passive voice are used to create authority, emotional resonance, or political effect. Write an analytical paragraph of 6–8 sentences.
Speech, speaker, and occasion: _______________________________ Excerpt (quote or summarise 3–4 sentences):
Analytical paragraph (grammar, context, effect):
Teach a Grammar Concept
Explain one grammar concept from this worksheet — either modal verbs or passive voice — to a family member. Then write a short reflection: what was hard to explain? What did explaining it reveal about your own understanding?
Concept explained and to whom: _____________________________ Reflection on what was hard to explain and what it revealed about your understanding:
Synthesise Your Grammar Learning
Write a 5–6 sentence reflection on what you have learned across this entire worksheet. Include: the most useful concept, the most surprising thing you discovered, and one specific way you will apply this grammar knowledge in your writing.
Grammar learning reflection:
Match: Modal Verb to Function
Match each modal verb on the left to its primary grammatical function on the right.
Analyse: The Language of Apology
Read these two apology statements from a fictional politician. Analyse how modal verbs and passive voice are used in each and discuss which is more genuinely accountable.
Statement A: 'Mistakes were made and people were hurt. We should have acted sooner. This must not happen again.' — What does the passive voice do here? Who is responsible?
Statement B: 'I made mistakes. I hurt people. I should have acted sooner. I will ensure this does not happen again.' — How does this differ? Which is more accountable and why?
Sort: Modal Certainty Spectrum
Sort these sentences from least certain (left) to most certain (right) based on the modal verb used.
Write: Science Report Excerpt
Write a short science report excerpt (4–5 sentences) describing the results of a simple experiment. Use passive voice at least twice and one modal verb.
My science report excerpt (use passive voice at least twice and one modal verb):
Reflection: Grammar and Power
Write 4–5 sentences reflecting on how understanding modal verbs and passive voice has changed the way you read or think about language.
How understanding grammar has changed how I read language:
Home Activity: Grammar in the Media
Find a news article or advertisement at home this week. Highlight every passive verb and every modal verb you can find. Count them. Bring your findings to share.
- 1Find a news article or advertisement.
- 2Highlight every passive verb form (was/were + past participle).
- 3Highlight every modal verb (can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would).
- 4Count: how many passive verbs? How many modal verbs? Which type appears more often?
- 5Write one sentence about what you notice.
Mastery Check: Explain to a Younger Student
Write a short explanation of modal verbs and passive voice for a Year 4 student who has never heard of them. Use simple language, one example of each, and explain why a writer would choose to use them.
My explanation of modal verbs and passive voice for a Year 4 student: