Modal verb
An auxiliary verb expressing possibility, obligation, permission, ability, or future likelihood. Modals include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, and others.
Real World
When Boris Johnson said 'We must act now' during COVID-19 briefings, the modal 'must' expressed strong obligation, leaving no room for the audience to consider inaction.
Exam Focus
Distinguish epistemic modality (possibility/certainty) from deontic modality (obligation/permission) — examiners reward precise terminology.
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