Modal and Modal Phrases (Semi-Modals)


A modal is a type of auxiliary (helping) verb that is used to express: ability, possibility, permission or obligation. Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express the same things as modals, but are a combination of auxiliary verbs and the preposition to. The modals and semi-modals in English are:
Can/could/be able to
May/might
Shall/should
Must/have to
Will/would

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