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What is the primary function of legal aid according to the provided content?
What is the primary function of legal aid according to the provided content?
How do modal adverbs function in a sentence?
How do modal adverbs function in a sentence?
What best describes the use of the phrase 'has the potential to' in the context presented?
What best describes the use of the phrase 'has the potential to' in the context presented?
In the example sentences, what does the adverb 'surely' modify?
In the example sentences, what does the adverb 'surely' modify?
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What is the effect of modality in language as described in the content?
What is the effect of modality in language as described in the content?
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What is the primary function of modal verbs in a sentence?
What is the primary function of modal verbs in a sentence?
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Which of the following modal verbs indicates the highest level of certainty?
Which of the following modal verbs indicates the highest level of certainty?
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Which of the following sentences uses a modal verb to express a moderate claim?
Which of the following sentences uses a modal verb to express a moderate claim?
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Which statement employs low modality?
Which statement employs low modality?
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Which modal verb expresses obligation?
Which modal verb expresses obligation?
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Which of the following examples illustrates tentative modality?
Which of the following examples illustrates tentative modality?
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In the context of academic writing, how are modal verbs primarily used?
In the context of academic writing, how are modal verbs primarily used?
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Which of the following sentences demonstrates the use of a modal verb to express a possibility?
Which of the following sentences demonstrates the use of a modal verb to express a possibility?
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Study Notes
Modality in Writing
- Writers often avoid definitive claims, using language that suggests probability rather than certainty.
- Modality in grammar refers to aspects like possibility, obligation, and emphasis.
- Common modal verbs in English include can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, and sometimes ought to, had better, dare, need.
- Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that change the meaning of other verbs in a sentence.
- Modal verbs often showcase a writer's tentativeness, suggesting their opinion's probability.
- They express various degrees of certainty about claims made.
Degrees of Certainty and Modality
- Strong certainty: is, will, can not, must, undoubtedly, always, never, definitely, clearly. Used to express indisputable facts or opinions.
- Moderate certainty: should, would, can, ought to, tends to, usually, likely, probably, regularly, majority, generally, often, frequently, rarely. Used to express probable or usual situations.
- Tentative certainty: may, might, could, possible, conceivable, sometimes, occasionally, seldomly, perhaps, maybe, uncertainly, minority. Used to express weaker probabilities or potential outcomes.
Examples of Modality Use
- Strong claim: "It is plainly raining too hard today for the festival to go on."
- Moderate claim: "Fortunately, the festival can easily be postponed until next weekend."
- Moderate claim: "He probably ought to do it."
- Strong claim: "It definitely must be below freezing. I can see ice on the windows!"
- Tentative claim: "I can’t exactly remember when I first met her."
Modality in Academic Writing
- Authors often use lower modality to express less certainty ("seems likely" instead of "is the case").
- This careful use of language showcases the author's understanding of their argument's probable validity.
Modal Adverbs
- Modal adverbs add further meaning to modal verbs; they indicate a degree of probability or certainty.
- Examples include surely, undoubtedly, which modify other parts of the sentence (not just the verbs they directly follow).
- The use of modal adverbs subtly changes the perceived strength of a claim.
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Description
This quiz explores the concept of modality in writing, focusing on how writers use modal verbs to express degrees of certainty and tentativeness. Learn about common modal verbs and their varying implications regarding possibility and obligation in language.
