Question

Speaking to her niece, Aunt Em says sadly, "We can't go against the law, Dorothy." Which type of word is "can't"?

Answer 1

Modal auxiliary

Step-by-step explanation:

There are several auxliiary verbs (the ones that help to form a tense or an expression), and some of them are modal auxialiaries (may, must, will, etc). Can is one of the auxiliary verbs used for permission , possibility, ability, etc. In the sentence "We can't go against the law, Doroty.", can't is a word that expresses the idea of not having permission, not being allowed.