Which statement best describes ASL modals as presented?

• A. They correspond to CAN, MUST, SHOULD
• B. They correspond to WILL, MIGHT, MAY
• C. They are the same as English auxiliary verbs 'to be'
• D. They are not used in ASL

Answer: (A)

Modality in ASL is about expressing possibility, ability, obligation, or advice through signs that modify the main verb. The signs used for ASL modals align with can, must, and should, signaling things like “I can do this,” “this must be done,” or “you should consider this.” These meanings are often reinforced with facial expressions and head movements to show mood or stance, not just by a separate tense form. That’s why the statement that ASL modals correspond to can, must, and should is the best description. The other options misrepresent how ASL handles modality—future or possibility signs don’t map one-to-one with the core modals, and ASL doesn’t rely on an English “to be” equivalent for this purpose.