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Modular 5: Modal Auxiliaries
Modal auxiliary: a helping verb that shows how things could be or should be.
Modal auxiliaries help writers state their ideas clearly. Often you can change the meaning of a sentence by changing the modal auxiliary. Example: Teachers can help us learn about the world. (possible) Teachers must help us learn about the environment in order to protect it. (expresses a need)
Some modal auxiliaries express the feelings or opinion of the writer or speaker. Ex. would (willingness), should (suggesting) could (unknown how likely or unlikely something will happen), might..
