TYPES OF MODALITY November 23, 2018
Every English modal has its own meanings, but the meanings of modals in general could be divided into three groups:
1.Epistemic 2.Deontic 3.Dynamic
1. Epistemic • • • •
Presents the speaker’s opinion about the possibility or necessity “It is possible that…” may, must, will, should, can e.g. It might be true. That will be the postman. It should be ready by now.
2. Deontic denotes permission, obligation, order, promise must, may, ought to, can, shall, should, need “somebody is permitted / allowed to do something” • • •
e.g. Bookings must be made at least five days before departure. May I leave now? We couldn’t open the presents until Christmas morning. •
3. Dynamic • •
denotes ability, willingness, sometimes habit can/could, will/would
e.g. Watch me, I can stand on one leg. At school she would always sit quietly and pay attention. She just won’t do the washing-up when I ask her. I will go to see Tim. •
Determine the type of modality in the following examples: 1)He must be back before dark. 2)The test should not take longer than 20 minutes. 3)Students may use the gym. 4)Tim has to have the right solution; he is the expert. 5)The bank will give you a new credit card. 6)I can ride a bicycle. 7)Bill may work for the BBC. 8)The road might be blocked.
ď śEpistemic vs. Deontic Meaning Choose the right answer: 1)You should learn French. a) advice b) obligation
c) permission
2) He can read this book. a) certainty b) permission
c) ability
3) She must be the new English teacher. a) obligation b) certainty
c) advice
1) 1. The mother comes into Robert’s room and sees that he is playing computer games instead of doing his homework for the following day. “You should learn French.” → obligation 1) 2. John is talking with his friend Michael about his imminent stay in France. Michael says: “You should learn French before leaving Germany.” → advice
2) 1. He has lived in France for several years, he has studied French and so he can read this book. → certainty 2) 2. It is right. He already asked me yesterday. He can read this book. → permission 2) 3. He is 7 years old and learned reading at school. He can read this book. → ability
3) 1. I saw the principal introducing her to the other teachers and she has Englishbooks in her hand. She must be the new English teacher. → certainty 3) 2. There are not enough English teachers and we have too many pupils here. There is no other solution, she must be the new English teacher. → obligation
Many modals have different meanings depending on the context. The same modal can have an epistemic, deontic and dynamic use.
→ creates ambiguity e.g. CAN
Epistemic vs. Deontic vs. Dynamic I can do it. = POSSIBILITY (external circumstances allow me to do it) I can do it. = ABILITY (inherent properties allow me to do it) I can do it. = PERMISSION (human authority/ rules allow me to do it)