Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
modal-auxiliary
noun
/ˈmoʊdəl ˌɔːkˈsɪl.iˌɛr.i/
Definition
A type of auxiliary verb that expresses necessity, ability, permission, or possibility.
Examples
- Can: She can swim very well.
- Must: You must finish your homework.
- May: May I borrow your pen?
- Should: You should see a doctor.
- Might: It might rain later.
Meaning
Modal auxiliaries are used to indicate the modality of a verb in a sentence, showing how certain, probable, or necessary an action is.
Synonyms
- Modal verb
- Auxiliary verb
