Modality

what is modality?

the grammatical feature that expresses certainty, possibility, necessity, obligation or permission

modality reveals the writer’s or speaker’s attitude towards what is being said

modal verbs

auxiliary verbs used to express modality

examples:

• can

• could

• may

• might

• must

• shall

• should

• will

• would

modal verbs change the degree of certainty or obligation

high modality

expresses strong certainty, obligation or confidence

examples:

• must

• will

• cannot

creates authority, confidence and strong persuasion

medium modality

expresses advice, expectation or moderate certainty

examples:

• should

• would

sounds less forceful while still guiding the audience

low modality

expresses possibility, uncertainty or permission

examples:

• may

• might

• could

• can

creates a cautious, tentative or polite tone

types of modality

epistemic modality: expresses certainty, probability or possibility

deontic modality: expresses obligation, permission or duty

different types of modality communicate different attitudes and intentions

modality without modal verbs

modality can also be expressed through other words

examples:

• probably

• certainly

• perhaps

• likely

• possible

writers use a range of language choices to express certainty or uncertainty

effects of modality

high modality:

• authoritative

• persuasive

• confident

low modality:

• cautious

• polite

• uncertain

modality shapes the relationship between the writer and the audience

modality and purpose

persuasive texts: often use higher modality

academic writing: often uses lower modality

instructions: often use high modality

writers adjust modality to suit their purpose and audience

how can modality be analysed?

consider:

• level of modality

• modal verbs or other modal expressions

• writer’s attitude

• effect on tone

• effect on audience

• contribution to purpose

modality helps reveal how strongly a writer presents ideas or attempts to influence the audience