1. MODAL
VERBS

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

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

11. 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.

12. 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 ….

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

14. 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.

15. 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

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

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

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

19. 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.