Say it or pay it: a speaking game to practise modal verbs in real-life situations

Say It or Pay It – Modal Verbs in Real-Life Situations

Tired of boring grammar drills? Say It or Pay It turns modal verbs into a fun, interactive speaking game your students will actually enjoy!

With 3 engaging card decks – SAY IT (real-life situations), MODAL VERBS (key modals in base form), and PAY IT (hilarious penalties) – your students will:

• Create sentences they would really say or think
• Practice modal verbs in affirmative, negative, or interrogative forms
• Develop confidence speaking in groups
• Have fun with quick, exaggerated penalties that keep everyone laughing

How to Play:

1. Students play in groups, taking turns.
2. Each turn, a student draws 1 SAY IT card + 1 MODAL VERBS card.
3. They have 30 seconds to think of a sentence using the modal verb in context.
4. If the sentence is correct → the group earns 1 point.
5. If the sentence is incorrect → the student draws a PAY IT card and performs the penalty.
6. Move on to the next group.

Recommended Levels: B1 – B2 (can be adapted for A2+ or C1 by removing or adding modal cards)

Why teachers love it:

• Ready-to-use – just print and play
• Flexible & adaptable for any level
• Engaging for teens – connects to social media, friendships, crushes, and everyday life
• Includes clear instructions so you can start immediately

Turn modal verb practice into a dynamic, memorable, and hilarious classroom experience. Your students won’t even realise they’re learning!