Notions and Functions (Modality)

Notions and Functions (Modality) The modality refers to a speaker’s or writer’s attitude towards, or point of view bout, a state of the world. In particular, modals are used to say whether something is real or true, or whether it is the subject or speculation rather than definite knowledge. Modal verbs: Form There are many verbs which are used to express modality in English. These verbs are used to express different attitudes to an event or situation.

Central modals The characteristics of central modals are as follows: (a) There are not non-finite forms. *maying, mayed, to may There is only the bare infinitive for may, must, should. (b) They combine with other verbs in a sentence in the following way: A separate check must accompany each application. This could beworse than school. Medical costs can be expensive.

Central modals cont- C. The negative is formed by placing not after the modals. You cannot/can’t be serious. Applications may not be withdrawn. D. The interrogative is formed by subject-modal inversion. Could you close the window? Must we finish it tonight? E. There are no complete tense forms.

Marginal modals The terms marginal is used as these verbs share some characteristics of central modals and also characteristics of main verbs. The most often used marginal modal is need. • (a) It is used as central modal. You needn’t tell him Need I go there today? (b) It is used as main verb. You don’t need to tell him. Do I need to go there?

Semi-auxiliary The characteristics of semi-auxiliaries are as follows: (a) They can behave like main verbs in the following ways: They have non-finite forms. To have to. Being able to. They form the negative with auxiliary do. He doesn’t have to. Was he able to?

Marginal modals cont- (b) They can be preceded by another modal verb. They must be able to. He shouldn’t have to. (c) Because to is contained in the semi-auxiliarymodal, these modals are followed by the bare infinitive form. I’m not be able to see him tomorrow. They have to be here by nightfall. For the use of past forms and the use of the modal +perfect infinitive (have + past participle), must have been.

Modal verbs: Meaning Modal verbs are used in two ways to express various attitudes towards a situation or event. These are known as the primary and the secondary use. Many of the verbs are used to express more than one meaning. Primary use is concerned with fact or reality and expresses the following moods: Can is used to express ability (or inability) to do something. (a) Ability (says what you are able to do). There are ways in which you can help. You miss a lot if you can’t speak the language.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- (b) Advisability (express what is best to do). You should use first-class post. You ought to follow the instructions for agents. (c) Certainty (express a general certainty). Will is used to show certainty about general situation or event. In these cases, will contains the idea of volition, i.e. a willingness or unwillingness to do something. Take the form to your doctor, who will complete it.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- Will is sometimes used to indicate a habit, which the speaker finds irritating or frustrating: He will come late! She will use the most expensive way to post the mail! (d) Exemption (indicates what is not necessary). You needn’t pay in advance. You don’t have to book early, but it helps.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- (e) Necessity (indicates what is necessary, but notobligatory). All you have to do is cut out this voucher. All you need do is cut out this voucher. All you need to do is attach a recent photo. (f) Obligation (tells you what is obligatory). Applications must be received by 15 October. You have to complete this form for membership. You should complete and sign box 7.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- (g) Permission (expresses what you are allowed to do). Applications may be made only persons over 18. You can withdraw $200 whenever you wish. May I check the answers? Can I stay longer. Can and could are both used to ask permission: Can I borrow 1000 Baht. Could I borrow $1000?

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- • Can is more direct, whereas could is more tentative. In granting permission, only can is used: Can I go now? Yes, you can. Could I go now? Yes, you can. May is also possible in granting permission, but could is inappropriate. (h) Prohibition/refusal (expresses what you are not allowed to do). Once made, applications may not be withdrawn. You must not leave your car for any reason.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- Can we stay longer? No, you can’t. There’s work to be done. Can’t is used to express strong prohibition. The same rules apply as with granting permission. Can I borrow 1000 Baht? No, you can’t. Could I borrow $1000? No, you can’t. You can’t enter without a tie. Children over5 can’t be members of the playground.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- (i) Request (when you ask someone to do something) Can you lend me some money, please? Could you close the window, please? Would you mind handing me that cup? Secondary use is concerned with beliefs based on facts. The speaker is saying that the condition exists for this situation or event, but it may not occur. Holidays abroad can be fun. So begins seven days alone on a desert island with my parents. This could be worse than school.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- Secondary use expresses the following moods: (a) Certainty/likelihood (when you are certain that you have guessed correctly). From the sound of the footsteps, that’ll (will) be John. That picture would look nice in your room. (b) Near certainty (when you are almost certain, but not quite sure). When you are predicting an event that you believe is almost certain to take place, you use should/could/might.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- She’s coming by train and should/could/might arrive just after midday. (c) Possibility (when it is possible theoreticallye). Holidays abroad can/may/might be fun. For this kind of modal, Celce-Murcia & Larsen Freeman (1999) point out the meaning of possibility in different degrees: Someone’s knocking at the door. weak inference: That could/might be Mary. stronger inference: That may be Mary. strong inference: That should be Mary. very strong inference: That must be Mary.

Modal verbs: Meaning cont- (d) Impossibility (when the evidence makes you believe it is not true). Mrs. Smith, you cannot (can’t) be serious! It really couldn’t be easier. (e) Probability (when you think something is verylikely from you what you know of the situation). As you’re a doctor, you must/should know such a lot about viruses. That’s a loud knock on the door. It could be Jane.

Summary of Primary use

Summary of Primary use Modal verbs: idioms Would rather The idiom would rather expresses a preference and has the same meaning as would prefer. I’d rather be a hammer than a nail.

Modal verbs: idioms Would rather can be used to express a choice about plans or ideas. The British people have said they would rather have a good Health Service than get back money in lower taxes. Both interrogative and negative forms are used to make suggestions. Would you rather stay home tonight? Wouldn’t you rather stay home tonight? Had better is similar in meaning to should. It is used to give advice.

Modal verbs: Idioms cont- You’d better get to sleep before the next task. The idiom is often used to convey a warning or threat. You’d better get the report finished before you leave. The implication here is that if the report isn’t finished, the person spoken to will be in trouble. Usually the negative interrogative form is used. In this case, the advice is very strong and may be considered a warning. Hadn’t you better check that your employer is willing to contribute more than the minimum?

Notions and Functions (Modality)