Which statement correctly characterizes semi-modal verbs?

• A. They combine with another verb to express modal meaning
• B. They can stand as independent main verbs
• C. They never take to
• D. They are always used in past tense

Answer: (A)

Semi-modal verbs express modality only when attached to a main verb. They don’t stand alone; you pair them with another verb to show possibility, obligation, ability, or necessity. For example, have to go expresses obligation, be able to swim expresses ability, and used to visit expresses a past habit. This pairing is what makes them semi-modals. They aren’t used as independent main verbs in everyday usage, and they aren’t restricted to past tense—the constructions with different auxiliaries (had to, am able to, used to) show different times. The statement that best captures their behavior is that they combine with another verb to express modal meaning.