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This article is from the Magic: The Gathering Rules FAQ, by Patrik Linell (pls@claymore.nu) with numerous contributions by others.

18 What is a "modal" spell? (Magic: The Gathering Rules)

A "modal" spell is, in general terms, one which can do more than
one thing. All modal spells, under the current wordings, have to say
"Choose one-", followed by a list of possible effects. The Dragon Charms
from Planeshift are the most well-known current examples. Note that
Disenchant is not a modal spell, because it doesn't say "Choose one-
destroy target artifact, or destroy target enchantment".
The distinction is important, because when you announce a modal spell,
you choose what mode it'll use right then, instead of waiting until it
resolves. Disenchant targeting an enchantment that becomes an artifact
before Disenchant's resolution will still destroy its target, which it
would not if it were modal.

 

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