Skip to content

Log in Sign up free

Loading…

Home
Subjects
Past papers
Key terms
Pricing

My courses

Select your courses

Loading…

Subjects

Biology
Business
Chemistry
Citizenship Studies
Classics
Combined Science
Computer Science
Design and Technology
English Language
English Literature
Film Studies
Food Preparation and Nutrition
Geography
History
Mathematics
Media Studies
Physical Education
Physics
Psychology
Religious Studies
Sociology
Statistics

Resources

Browse courses
Past papers
Key terms & definitions
Pricing

About

Sign up
Log in
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service

© 2026 GradeGen

Not affiliated with any exam board.

Home
English Language
Key terms
Modal verb

GCSE English Language · key term

Modal verb

Definition

A verb, such as ‘can’, ‘must’ or ‘should’, that expresses meanings including possibility, ability, necessity or obligation.

Used by Edexcel

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE English Language 2.0 · 1EN2

Paper 1, Paper 2

Revise: Analysing language
A verb used with another verb to express meanings such as ability, possibility or obligation, for example ‘can’, ‘may’ or ‘must’.
Revise: Paper 1 Question 3: language

Edexcel English Language 2.0 past papers

Related key terms

Connotation
Language analysis
Metaphor
Tone
Adjective

Get more free notes every week

Create a free account to keep every note you open and track your progress.

Create free account Log in

Modal verb — Edexcel GCSE English Language 2.0 Definition