Homonym: Modal (Music)
A modal is a type of auxiliary verb used in English to express ability, possibility, necessity, or permission. Common modals include can, could, may, might, must, and should. They help convey the speaker's attitude toward the action of the main verb, indicating whether it is likely, required, or allowed.
Modals do not change form based on the subject and are followed by the base form of the main verb. For example, in the sentence "She can swim," the modal can indicates ability. Understanding modals is essential for effective communication, as they add nuance to statements and questions.