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Term: Modal Verbs

Definition:

Modal verbs are used to express ideas such as possibility, intention, obligation and necessity.

CAN, COULD, WILL, WOULD, SHALL, SHOULD, OUGHT TO, DARE and NEED are some examples.

eg: I would have told you, if you had wanted me to.

eg: Yes, I can do that.

See Also: Auxiliary Verb; Deontic Modality; Dynamic Modality; Ditransitive Verb; Dynamic Verb; Epistemic Modality; Finite Verb; Inchoative Verb; Intransitive Verb; Irregular Verb; Non-finite Verb; Phrasal Verb; Regular Verb; Stative Verb; Transitive Verb; Verb Group; Verb Phrase

'Modal Verbs' - Related Links

Grammar Topic: Modals

Browse the following links to other content related to 'Modal Verbs' from the 'Modals' grammar category:

Glossary Entries

Quizzes

Beginner:

Must & Can

Intermediate:

Advanced:

Modals