Linguistic modality refers to the expression of a speaker's attitude or perspective towards the likelihood, necessity, or desirability of a state of affairs, often conveyed through modal verbs, adjectives, or adverbs. It plays a crucial role in shaping meaning and intention in communication, influencing how statements are interpreted in terms of possibility, obligation, and permission.

Linguistic Modality

Linguistic modality

expression of a speaker's attitude

Perspective towards likelihood

Necessity of a state of affairs

desirability of a state of affairs

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability, providing additional meaning to the main verb in a sentence. They are crucial in conveying the speaker's attitude and intention, and include words like can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, and would.

modal verbs

Modal adjectives

Modal adverbs

role in shaping meaning

Influencing communication

Interpretation of statements

Possibility in communication

Obligation in communication

Permission in communication

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