What does modal mean?

n. A type of helper word used to show if something is likely, necessary, or commanded. Examples are 'can', 'must', and 'should'.

modal

🇺🇸 /ˈməʊdl/ 🇬🇧 /ˈməʊdl/

Frequency

Difficulty

Tags TOP20000

noun

A type of helper word used to show if something is likely, necessary, or commanded. Examples are 'can', 'must', and 'should'.

In the sentence 'You must finish your homework', 'must' is a modal.

A type of helper word used to show if something is likely, necessary, or commanded. Examples are 'can', 'must', and 'should'.

Plural modals