Modal verbs are a part of the larger category called auxiliary verbs which are verbs that cannot be used on their own. They need to be accompanied by another (main) verb. Sometimes modal verbs are called modal auxiliaries.
The following words are modal verbs: Can, Could, May, Might, Must, Shall, Should, Will, Would.
They are modal auxiliary verbs that provide additional information about the verb that follows it.
Modal verbs are used to express ability, obligation, permission, assumptions, probability and possibility, requests and offers, and advice. Each modal verb can have more than meaning which depends on the context of that sentence (or question).
-
You can go now. (= permission)
-
I can play the guitar. (= ability)
You can go now. (= permission)
I can play the guitar. (= ability)
