Lecture 3: Modality and Voice of Finite Verbs

3.1 Modality of Finite Verbs

3.1.1 What is verb modality?

What is Modality?

• Modality expresses possibility, necessity, permission, ability, willingness, prediction, or the speaker's attitude;
• Core pattern: modal verb + base form of the lexical verb;

Common Modal Verbs

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3.1.2 How to Use Modal Verbs

Common Features

• Features:
• 1. A modal is followed by the base form of the lexical verb;
• 2. Do not use am/is/are after a modal; use the base form be when needed;
• 3. The tense change of modal verbs is limited;
• Common verbs have multiple tenses;
• Modal verbs generally have only two tenses: present and past;
• 4. Modal verbs do not change with person or number
• No third-person verb inflection
• 5. Modal verbs become negative or questioning (frequently tested)
• Negative: add not after the modal;
• Question: place the modal before the subject;
• Give an example
• i can do something and i could do something

Usage

• Words: could, would, should, might
• Meaning 1: Indicates the past;
• Meaning 2: Indicates the present, but in a more euphemistic tone or polite tone;
• can you help me and could you help me
• Meaning 3: Used in subjunctive mood

3.1.3 Usage 1: What kind of emotional attitude to express

Usage 1: must

• Meaning:
• Strong emotional attitude
• Must
• Example:
• we must also act with caution.
• We must also act cautiously;

Usage 2: can/could

• Meaning
• 1. Being able to do something;
• 2. Being able to do something, indicating permission;
• Give an example
• Could a hug a day keep the doctor away?
• Can a hug a day keep doctors away from me?

Usage 3: will/would

• Meaning
• 1. In the future tense, it indicates that it will be;
• 2. Expressing a willingness;
• Example:
• Will you marry me?
• Would you marry me?
• The first draft will appear on the page...

Usage 4: May/Might

• Meaning
• 1. Permission;
• 2. Possibility;
• Give an example
• expressions may influence emotion rather than just the other way around.

Usage 5: should

• Meaning
• Indicates that it should be;
• Give an example
• Those suffering from persistent nightmares should seek help from a therapist.

3.1.4 Usage 2: Indicates speculation or possibility

Modal verbs can express different degrees of certainty

Modal verb + do

• Distinction:
• must: strong logical conclusion;
• may, might, could: possibility;
• should: expectation;
• can't/cannot: strong conclusion that something is impossible or untrue;
• Give an example
• The details may be unknowable...
• These details may be unknown;
• may be is a modal verb plus the base form be;
• maybe is a single adverb meaning “perhaps”;
• It might be poetic, philosophical, sensual, or mathematical, but in any case it must… have something to do with the soul of the human being.
• Two modal verbs that are speculated but have different possibilities;

Modal Verbs and Speculation

• Present-state inference: modal + base form;
• Inference about an action in progress: modal + be doing;
• Now something similar could be happening in the oceans.
• Now some similar things are happening in the ocean;
• Inference about the past: modal + have done
• must have done expresses a strong conclusion about a past event;
• She must have cried. / She must be crying.

Additional Modal Verb Phrases

• have to: must, have to do it;
• They have to be careful not to come across as disappointed in their child
• They must be careful not to show disappointment on the child's face;
• ought to: also indicates that something should be done;

3.2 Past-Paper Practice

Question:Online education can supplement the traditional kind

• Online education can supplement traditional education;

Question:He must store a large quantity of grain instead of consuming all his grain immediately

• must: must
• He must store large amounts of grain rather than consume it;

Question:This could add value to their businesses in three ways

• could expresses a possible benefit;

Title:Upcoming reforms might bring the price to a more reasonable level

• Maybe, can;