Modal Verbs
What are modal verbs? Modal verbs show possibility, intent, ability, or necessity. Common examples of modal verbs include can , should , and must . Because they’re a type of auxiliary verb (helper verb), they’re used alongside the infinitive form of the main verb of a sentence. Modal verbs are used to express certain hypothetical conditions, such as advisability, capability, or requests (there’s a full list in the next section). They’re used alongside a main verb to inflect its meaning. Consider the difference between these two examples: I swim every Tuesday. I can swim every Tuesday.