Modal Auxiliaries in English Definition: Modal auxiliaries, commonly known as modals, are a distinct category of auxiliary verbs in English. They play a crucial role in indicating various attitudes or moods regarding an action or state expressed by the main verb in a sentence. Common Modal Auxiliaries: Can : Usage : Ability or Capacity : Indicates the ability or capacity to do something. She can swim. Permission (informal) : Expresses informal permission. Can I borrow your book? Possibility : Suggests a possibility. It can rain later. Could : Usage : Past Ability or Polite Request : Denotes past ability or is used to make a polite request. I could swim when I was a child. Could you please assist me? Polite Request (formal) : In formal contexts, it's used to make polite requests. Could you please pass the salt? May : Usage : Permission or Possibility : Expresses permission or indicates a possibility. May I go to the bathroom? It may rain later. Polite Request (formal) : In formal ...