Modals

The Nuance Words

Sometimes, we don't just want to state facts. We want to express possibility, ask for permission, give advice, or talk about our abilities. Modal verbs are the tools we use for these jobs. They are a special class of helping verbs that add a layer of meaning—a mood—to the main verb. The difference between 'I go' and 'I might go' is profound. This chapter will explore the core modals and the specific nuances each one brings to a sentence.

A modal verb is a type of helping verb that expresses ability, possibility, permission, obligation, or advice.