Modal verbs and modality
Modality is about a speaker’s or a writer’s attitude towards the world. A speaker or writer can express certainty, possibility, willingness, obligation, necessity and ability by using modal words and expressions.
Speakers often have different opinions about the same thing.
These speakers are looking at the same thing.
Modal verbs
Here are the main verbs we use to express modal meanings:
Core modal verbs: can, could, may, might, will, shall, would, should, must
Semi-modals: dare, need, ought to, used to
Other verbs with modal meanings: have (got) to, be going to and be able to
Modal words and expressions
There are a number of other words and expressions in English, apart from the main modal verbs, which also express modal meanings.
Here are some examples:
There is a possibility of snow this evening.
It’s clear that the Prime Minister is worried about education.
I’m certainly not fed up with it.
- Modality: meanings and uses
- Modality: other modal words and expressions
- Be expressions (be able to, be due to)
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Word of the Day
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to do something or go somewhere very slowly, taking more time than is necessary
September 04, 2024
September 02, 2024
has been added to list
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024
© Cambridge University Press & Assessment 2024
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