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Modal - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

modal

/ˈmoʊdəl/ /ˈməʊdəl/

Definition:

Relating to mode, form, or manner; expressing mood in grammar.

Synonyms:

formal, structural, grammatical, qualifying

Part of Speech:

adjective, noun

Antonyms:

informal, nonstandard

Common Collocations:

modal verb, modal logic, modal auxiliary

Derivatives:

modality, modally

Usage Tips:

Use "modal" to describe verbs like "can" or "must" that express necessity or possibility.

Common Phrases:

modal auxiliary, modal verb phrase, modal shift

Etymology:

From Latin "modalis," meaning "pertaining to mode," derived from "modus" (measure or manner).

Examples:

  • 1. She used a modal verb in her sentence.
  • 2. The artist chose a modal approach for the painting.
  • 3. Can you identify the modal auxiliary here?
  • 4. His argument relied on modal logic principles.

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