modal auxiliary
1
5.5
- noun
- /ˈmoʊdəl ɔːɡˈzɪlɪəri/
- Specialized
:
verbo auxiliar modal
- Modal is shorthand for modal auxiliary verb, i.e., 'can', 'could', 'will', 'would', etc.
Examples
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The result clause of a hypothetical conditional uses verbs with the modal auxiliaries 'would, would have, could, could have,' etc.
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In English, will serves as a modal auxiliary to indicate future actions.
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In fact, we probably got the expression modal auxiliary from French.
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Then there is a whole family of helping verbs ("modal auxiliaries") that can be used in the subjunctive mood, especially in questions: A:
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Please visit any grammar website—for example, the University of Wisconsin Platteville (not ESL) has a very good glossary here; check out primary and modal auxiliaries:
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A modal auxiliary, like can, is used to indicate ability in a sentence.
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When forming questions, we often use may as a modal auxiliary to express possibility.
Synonyms
3
4.9
A helping verb that shows possibility, permission, or obligation
1
3.0
A helping verb like can that shows ability, permission, need or possibility
A helper word used with verbs to show possibility or need, for example can and must
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'an auxiliary verb expressing modality' is directly and compositionally derived from 'modal' (relating to mood/possibility/necessity) + 'auxiliary' (a helper verb). This technical noun phrase follows transparent morphological and semantic composition and has clear parallels in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Modal auxiliary names a 'helping' verb: auxiliary means 'helping' and modal comes from 'mood' or 'mode', so it shows 'chance' or 'need'. So, 'modal auxiliaries' like can and must are helping verbs used with the main verb to show 'ability', 'permission', or 'obligation'.