MODAL VERBS

MODAL VERBS Modal verbs are common auxiliary verbs in Germanic languages including English that indicate modality. Modality is the grammaticalized expression of the subjective attitudes and opinions of the speaker including possibility, probability, necessity, obligation, permissibility, ability, desire, and contingency.

MODAL VERBS Differ from other auxiliary/lexical verbs: Lack of Tense Lack of subject/verb agreement

MODALS/PERIPHRASTIC MODALS Multi word forms ending in TO, which function semantically like true modals. can – be able to will – be going to, be about to must – have to, have got to should – ought to, be to, be supposed to may – be allowed to

Meaning of Modals large charts summarizing the form and meaning of modals; fragmented as they learned/taught meaning by meaning and form by form; semantic system; e.g. You may leave the room. (social interactional) It may rain tomorrow. (logical probability)

Social interactional function of Modals Modal verbs with this function require that a person using them properly take into account the characteristics of the social situation.

Social interactional function of Modals We can infer: first example: You may leave the room. the speaker is sufficient authority to be able to grant permission to the listener. Formal context – the speaker chose to use may rather than can. Knowing the social situation allowed the speaker to select appropriate modal.

Social interactional function of Modals Second example: It may rain tomorrow. knowing the social situation would have little or no effect on the modal selected. The speaker intention is to convey the relatively low probability of precipitation. The speaker would use may regardless of whom the listener was or where the interaction took place.

Social Interactional uses of Modals Requests: Will Would you help me with the grammar point? Can Could

Social Interactional uses of Modals Specific requests for permission: May Might I leave the room? Can Could

Social Interactional uses of Modals Advice might You could should see a doctor had better must Speaker’s authority and/or conviction, or urgency of the message increases.

Social Interactional uses of Modals Suggestions: e.g. We can/could go to a concert tonight. Why don’t we ….? How about ….? What about ….? Let’s ….

Logical probability uses of Modals The logical use of some of the same modals typically deals with an inference or prediction.

Logical probability uses of Modals e.g. Maria: Someone’s at the door. Rachel: That may be Barbara. We can establish a hierarchy for the logical use. What increases is the degree of certainty regarding our inference.

Logical probability uses of Modals Maria: Someone’s at the door. That could/might be Barbara. Degree That may be Barbara. That should be Barbara. of That must be Barbara. That will be Barbara. certainty

Paraphrasing with Adjectives and Adverbs Could, might – possibly, possible May – perhaps, quite possible(ly) Should – probably, probable Will – certainly, certain

Paraphrasing with Adjectives and Adverbs Degrees of Probability could, might It may rain tomorrow. should will

Paraphrasing with Adjectives and Adverbs possible It is quite possible that it will rain probable tomorrow. certain

Other uses of Modals Ability – can, be able to e.g. I can speak English. Superman is able to see through walls. Desire – would like to e.g. Sarah would like to travel around the world. Offer – would, will, shall, can, could e.g. Would you like anything to drink? Preference – would rather, would prefer to e.g. Brad would rather study languages than math.