15 Questions
Which type of modality is concerned with theoretical possibility of propositions being true or not true?
Epistemic modality
Which of the following is not a commonly used English modal verb?
Speak
Which type of modality is concerned with possibility and necessity in terms of freedom to act?
Deontic modality
Which English modal verb indicates a higher degree of certainty?
Must
In the sentence 'You must speak Spanish,' what is the primary meaning of 'must'?
Deontic meaning
Which type of modality is concerned with freedom to act?
Dynamic modality
In the sentence 'You must be starving,' what type of modality is being expressed?
Epistemic modality
Which of the following is not a commonly used English modal verb?
Need to
Which English modal verb indicates a higher degree of certainty?
Must
What is the primary meaning of 'You must leave now.'?
Requirement to leave
Which type of modality is concerned with the theoretical possibility of propositions being true or not true?
Epistemic modality
Which English modal verb indicates a higher degree of certainty?
Must
In the sentence 'You must speak Spanish,' what is the primary meaning of 'must'?
Obligation
Which of the following is not a commonly used English modal verb?
Need
In the sentence 'You must be starving,' what type of modality is being expressed?
Epistemic modality
Study Notes
Modal Verbs and Modality
- Theoretical modality is concerned with the theoretical possibility of propositions being true or not true.
Types of Modality
- Deontic modality is concerned with possibility and necessity in terms of freedom to act.
- Epistemic modality is concerned with the degree of certainty or uncertainty of a proposition.
English Modal Verbs
- Must typically indicates a higher degree of certainty or obligation.
- Will is not a commonly used English modal verb.
Sentence Analysis
- In the sentence "You must speak Spanish," the primary meaning of "must" is obligation or necessity.
- In the sentence "You must be starving," the modality being expressed is epistemic, indicating a high degree of certainty or probability.
- In the sentence "You must leave now," the primary meaning of "must" is obligation or necessity.
Test your knowledge of modal verbs and their functions in English grammar with this quiz. Explore the various communicative functions and usage of modal verbs in sentences.
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