Clauses and modality | Year 5

💡Understand

A RELATIVE CLAUSE adds extra information about a noun, usually starting with 'who', 'which', 'that', or 'whose'. A MODAL VERB (might, could, should, must, may, will) changes how certain or necessary an action is.

“The scientist, who had studied volcanoes for thirty years, warned that the eruption might happen within days.”

"who had studied volcanoes for thirty years" is a relative clause adding detail about the scientist. "might" is a modal verb showing the eruption is possible, but not certain.

🔍Spot it

Is this a relative clause or a modal verb doing the key work?

Question 1

"The bridge, which was built in 1890, is still standing today."

💡 "which was built in 1890" starts with 'which' and adds extra information about the noun.

Question 2

"You must submit the form by Friday."

💡 "must" shows the action is necessary/required, not just possible.

Question 3

"It might rain later, so bring an umbrella."

💡 "might" shows the rain is only possible, not certain.

🧠Think about it

Why does choosing the right modal verb (e.g. 'must' vs 'might') matter so much for the accuracy of your meaning?

✍️Try it

Identify the relative clause or modal verb.

The letter needs a response.

Question 1

Which sentence uses a modal verb to show something is necessary, not just possible?

💡 Compare the strength of obligation in 'should' versus 'could' or 'might'.

📝Practise

Identify the relative clause or modal verb, and what it shows.

Question 1

"The author, whose first novel was a bestseller, has just released a sequel." What does 'whose first novel was a bestseller' do?

Question 2

"This could be the answer we've been looking for." What does 'could' show?

Question 3

"All students must wear the correct uniform." What does 'must' show?

Question 4

In one word, name a relative pronoun that often starts a relative clause about a person.

💡 Think about words used for people versus things.

Question 5

"The house, which had stood empty for years, was finally sold." What does the relative clause add?

Question 6

Why might a writer choose 'may' instead of 'will' when describing a future event?

🎯Apply

Read the passage, then answer the questions below.

The old lighthouse, which had guided ships safely to shore for over a century, might finally be demolished next year. Engineers, who inspected the structure last month, say it must be repaired soon or it could collapse entirely.

Question 1

Which relative clause tells us about the lighthouse's history?

💡 Look for the clause immediately after 'the old lighthouse'.

Question 2

Which modal verb shows the strongest necessity in this passage?

Question 3

According to the passage, when might the lighthouse be demolished?

💡 It's stated in the first sentence.

🏆Challenge

Write two sentences about a school building using a relative clause and a modal verb in each, varying how certain or necessary each modal verb makes the outcome sound.

🔄Review

A quick mastery check — 3 questions.

Question 1

"The teacher, who has worked here for twenty years, is retiring." The underlined-style clause is...

Question 2

"You should check your work carefully." 'should' shows...

Question 3

Modal verbs are useful because they...

Want more practice mixing this with other grammar rules? Try Grammar practice →