A modal verb (also modal, modal auxiliary verb, modal auxiliary) is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to indicate modality – that is, likelihood, ability, permission, and obligation.
As defined in the wiki entry.
Or more simply a verb such as 'can', ''must', want to' and 'will'.
These are used in Afrikaans in the same way as we use them in English.
The following sentences demonstrate this and illustrate the use of kan 'can', moet 'must' wil 'want to' and sal 'will'.
They also show the germanic word order often seen in Afrikaans with the 'main' verb at the end of the sentence. See word order.
| She can visit the musuem | Sy kan die museum besoek |
| I can go to the shop | Ek kan na die winkel toe gaan |
| I must go to work | Ek moet werk toe gaan |
| He must go to school | Hy moet skool toe gaan |
| They will clean the house | Hulle sal die huis skoonmaak |
| We will read it | Ons sal dit lees |
| You must write a letter | Jy moet ’n brief skryf |
| We must visit our friend | Ons moet ons vriend besoek |
| I want to go on holiday | Ek wil met vakansie gaan |
| He wants to buy a car | Hy wil ’n kar koop |