CEFR B2

modal

adjective

Meaning

Relating to or expressing mood or modality, especially in grammar, referring to verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or obligation.

The auxiliary verbs 'can,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' 'shall,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' and 'must' are considered modal verbs.
Understanding modal verbs is crucial for grasping the nuances of English sentence structure.

Synonyms: auxiliary, verbal, modulating

adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈmoʊdəl/

Relating to or expressing mood or modality, especially in grammar, referring to verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or obligation.

The auxiliary verbs 'can,' 'could,' 'may,' 'might,' 'shall,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' and 'must' are considered modal verbs.
Understanding modal verbs is crucial for grasping the nuances of English sentence structure.
The sentence 'You must finish this report by Friday' uses a modal verb to express a strong obligation.

modal verb (collocation): A verb that expresses modality (necessity, possibility, etc.) — "The teacher explained the difference between modal verbs and regular verbs."
modal logic (collocation): A system of logic that formalizes the reasoning that is characteristic of reasoning with modal concepts such as possibility and necessity. — "She is studying modal logic as part of her philosophy degree."
modal auxiliary (collocation): A verb used to express modality, functioning as an auxiliary. — "The sentence 'He might come' contains a modal auxiliary verb."

Words with a similar meaning to modal:

Words with the opposite meaning to modal: