modal auxiliary

Other forms: modal auxiliaries

Definitions of modal auxiliary
  1. noun
    an auxiliary verb (such as `can' or `will') that is used to express modality
    synonyms: modal, modal auxiliary verb, modal verb
    see moresee less
    type of:
    auxiliary verb
    a verb that combines with another verb in a verb phrase to help form tense, mood, voice, or condition of the verb it combines with
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