1 TRY OUT LANGUAGE
2 LEARN GRAMMAR
3 APPLY ON YOUR OWN
Use Helping Verbs
• A helping verb is a verb that works together with another verb. The main verb shows the action or state of being. The helping verb supports the main verb’s meaning.
EXAMPLE Earthquakes are scary. They can shake buildings. • The verbs can, could, may, might, and should are helping verbs. Use can to tell what someone or something is able to do. Use could, may, or might to tell what is possible. Use should to tell what is good for someone to do.
EXAMPLES I can read information about earthquakes on the Internet. An earthquake might happen. It could create panic. You should stay calm.
Practice Together
Say each sentence. Add can, could, may, might, or should. More than one answer is possible.
1. An earthquake _____ strike our area soon.
2. Many people _____ be in danger.
3. They _____ get help from the government.
4. Other countries _____ help.
5. They _____ send food, supplies, and money.
Try It!
Read each sentence. Write can, could, may, might, or should on a card. Then hold up the card as you say the sentence with the helping verb. More than one answer is possible.
6. We _____ need an earthquake kit.
7. We _____ make one this afternoon.
8. I _____ find a flashlight for the kit.
9. Ben _____ have some batteries.
10. He _____ give them to us.
11. You _____ fill those containers with water.
12. We _____ have candles and matches in the house.
You might need these items during an earthquake.