Copy - modality -modals

modality&

modals

Lúcia Barbosa

modality&

Modality: We often use modal verbs or other modal expressions when we want to express an opinion or attitude about a possible fact or to control a possible action. All modal expressions are about the speaker’s or writer’s view of the world.

modals

modality&

We can divide most modal words and expressions into two types of meaning:

modals

atitude

opinion

modality&

modals

opinion

modality&

modals

atitude

modality&

modals

examples

opinion

modality&

modals

examples

atitude

Modal verbs

Often the same modal verb is used to express different meanings.

really certain

meaning:

meaning:

very likely

possible

meaning:

meaning:

strong obligation

meaning:

weak obligation

meaning:

no obligation

meaning:

permission

meaning:

no permission

meaning:

offer

meaning:

request

meaning:

promise

meaning:

decision

meaning:

advice & suggestion

meaning:

ability

meaning:

general truth