Why learn grammar through interesting stories
Learning grammar through stories makes the rules come alive! When you see grammar in context, it’s easier to understand and remember how to use it correctly.
Stories provide relatable examples, helping you grasp complex concepts while enjoying the narrative. This makes grammar feel less daunting and more fun!
Learn Modal Verbs MUST, SHOULD, COULD and MIGHT Through Mystery Story!
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Let's begin.
The Mysterious Package - Modal Verbs In Action (Part 1)
Lina had just finished her morning coffee when she heard a knock at the door.
Surprised, she opened it to find a small, brown package sitting on her doorstep.
There was no address, no return label—nothing to indicate where it had come from.
She picked it up and examined it.
It wasn’t heavy, but it rattled slightly when she shook it. “Who could have sent this?” she wondered.
“I must figure out who it’s from,” Lina said aloud. But before doing anything else, she considered her options.
“Maybe I should open it,” she thought. “But what if it’s dangerous?
I should call the police, just in case.” The more she thought about it, the more uncertain she became.
It could be a mistake—someone might have sent it to the wrong house. But then again, it might be a surprise from a friend.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was her friend, Sophie.
“Hey, Sophie,” Lina said, pacing the room.
“You won’t believe what just happened. I received a package, but it doesn’t have any information on it.
What do you think I should do?”
“Hmm,” Sophie replied. “That’s strange. You could try opening it, but you should be careful. Maybe it’s something harmless, like a gift.
Or it might be something important. Just make sure you're safe.
Lina nodded. Sophie was right. She must be cautious. But her curiosity was growing. She decided to ask her neighbors if they had seen anyone leave the package.
After a few knocks on the doors, no one had any information.
Lina returned home, feeling even more puzzled. She stared at the package, still unsure.
“I could leave it here and wait,” she thought, “but I must know what’s inside.”
Finally, after much deliberation, Lina grabbed a pair of scissors and carefully sliced through the tape.
Inside the box was... an old map. On it, there were strange markings and a note that read, "The journey begins where the sun meets the sea."
Lina’s heart raced. What did it mean? Where could it lead? She didn’t have all the answers, but one thing was clear: she must follow the map’s clues and find out...
Let's Review!
How to use (must, should, could, might) in everyday conversation:
(a) MUST is used for strong obligations or certainty:
(Use it when you're sure something is necessary or true.)
Example: “I must finish this report by tomorrow.”
(b) SHOULD is for advice or recommendations:
(Use it when you want to give a suggestion or express what's best to do.)
Example: “You should visit that museum, it’s amazing.”
(c) COULD expresses possibilities or options.
(Use it when there are multiple possibilities.)
Example: “We could go to the park or watch a movie at home.”
(d) MIGHT shows a lower level of certainty or possibility.
(Use it when you're unsure about something.)
Example: “She might be at the meeting later, but I'm not sure.”
Let's Practise!
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb:
(must, should, could, might)
(1) Lina ________ open the package, but she wasn’t sure if it was safe.
(2) She thought the package ________ have been sent by mistake.
(3) Sophie said Lina ________ be careful when opening it.
(4) Lina knew she ________ solve the mystery of the map.
Exercise 2: Rewrite the Sentences
Rewrite these sentences using the correct modal verbs.
(1) It’s a good idea to check with your neighbours.
You _____________ check with your neighbours.
(2) There’s a chance the package was sent to the wrong address.
The package _____________ have been sent to the wrong address.
(3) Lina felt she had a strong obligation to find out what was in the package.
Lina felt she _____________ find out what was in the package.
Exercise 3: Match the Modal Verbs with Their Use
Match each sentence with the correct use of the modal verb (obligation, advice, possibility, or suggestion).
(1) "I should ask my neighbours about the package."
Answer: ..................................
(2) "I must open this package right away!"
Answer: ..................................
(3) "It might be a surprise from someone."
Answer: ..................................
(4) "You could leave the package unopened until you know more."
Answer: ..................................
Let's Recap!
How to use Modal Verbs MUST, SHOULD, COULD and MIGHT
Giving advice:
“My friend is sick. What should I do?”
Discussing obligations:
“I must remember to submit my homework.”
Exploring possibilities:
“We could meet at 5 or 6 pm.”
Talking about uncertainty:
“I might go to the party, but I’m not sure yet.”
We hope you've enjoyed learning about modal verbs through this intereting mystery story.
Thank you for reading & Happy Learning.
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