ASL University ►


ASL: Modal Verbs


A student writes:
 

<< Dear Dr. Vicars,
Are WILL, CAN, and SHOULD auxiliary verbs or model verbs?
Is there a difference between the two?>>

Dear Student,

A modal verb is a type of auxiliary verb but an auxiliary verb is not necessarily a modal verb.

The term "auxiliary verb" is a larger umbrella term and "modal verb" is under the umbrella.


Examples of English modals: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would
Examples of ASL Modals: CAN WILL MUST-[should]

Modality:  The degree to which something is possible or necessary. [Example: CAN is a modal verb when it is used to indicate possibility.  MUST is a modal verb that is used to indicate necessity.  The sign WILL can be used at the end of a sentence to indicate that an action is extremely likely or a near certainty.
 

Also see: Auxiliary Verbs in ASL


You can learn American Sign Language (ASL) online at American Sign Language University ™
ASL resources by Lifeprint.com  ©  Dr. William Vicars


Want to help support ASL University?  It's easy DONATE (Thanks!)
(You don't need a PayPal account. Just look for the credit card logos and click continue.)

Another way to help is to buy something from the ASLU "Bookstore."

Want even more ASL resources?  Visit the "ASL Training Center!"  (Subscription Extension of ASLU)   CHECK IT OUT >


Bandwidth slow?  Check out "ASLUniversity.com" (a free mirror of Lifeprint.com less traffic, fast access)   VISIT >

 


back.gif (1674 bytes)