What are Modal Verbs? Definition and Examples
They are Auxiliary Verbs that provide additional and specific meaning to the main verb of the sentence. Modal verbs are sometimes referred to as Modal Auxiliary Verbs because they help other verbs.
CAN
Ability, doubt, astonishment, permission, polite, request
MAY
Permission, supposition, with doubt, if not prohibition
MUST
Obligation, firm necessity, logical, conclusion, probability
SHALL
Intention, supposition
WILL
Wish, desire, will, confidence,in the future
OUGHT TO
Moral duty, insistent advice, strict recommendation
NEED
Necessity
HAVE TO
Unwillingness, forced circumtances
WOULD
Wish (wish “to like”), polite request, a habit of the past
