MODALS AND MODALITIES
MODALITIES IN COMMUNICATION
Modalities in communication are the official forms, protocols, or conditions that surround formal transactions, agreements or negotiations. Modality is expression of speaker's attitude to what his utterance denotes. "Modals" which have a social and interactional function help to express modalities in communication
MODALITIES and MODALS
Modals or modal verbs are otherwise known as helping verbs. Modals are used with proper or main verbs to express the attitude and intention of the speaker. There are 10 modals in grammar:
Can, could, shall, should, will, would, may, might, must, ought to
SOME GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF MODALS
To show: Ability Permission To make: Predictions Offers Suggestions Promises Possibility Advisability Probability Necessity
Also to : request assistance show preference give instructions draw conclusions
SOME GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF MODALS
Ability Possibility I can/cannot solve this problem. It may/might rain today.
Probability
Permission
This could be true!
May I come in please?
Advisability
Necessity
I think you should consult an advocate.
I must/have to take the 7am bus to reach on time.
SOME GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF MODALS
Predictions
I think she will come.
Offers
Could I help you out?
Suggestions
I feel you should talk first.
Promises
The truth shall be revealed to you
SOME GENERAL FUNCTIONS OF MODALS
request assistance Could you please write this for me
give instructions
You must submit it today
show preference
I would rather rake tea
draw conclusions
We must inform the authority now
MODALITIES and MODALS SOME QUICK RULES:
1. Modals are always accompanied by other verbs. e.g. Can work, must go, will win
2. Modals are never combined with each other. e.g. Can will, must should, could may
3. Modals are followed by the simple form of the verb. e.g. Must go, not must going, can do, not can doing
MODALITIES and MODALS
SOME QUICK RULES cont
4. Modal verbs come before the subject in questions.
e.g. May I go?, Could you please help?, Should we go?
5. Modal verbs have not or n't after them in the negative.
e.g. U cant go. I will not work. It might not rain.
USE OF MODALS IN DIFFERENT OFFICIAL SITUATIONS
Asking for an appointment I would like to arrange an appointment to discuss
Please could you indicate a suitable time and place to meet?
Would it be possible to meet (on a date) at your/ our offices to discuss?
USE OF MODALS IN DIFFERENT OFFICIAL SITUATIONS
Agreeing to an appointment
Thank you for your email. I would be available to discuss. on (date) at (time and place)
Tuesday sounds fine. Shall we say around (time) at (place)?
Cancelling an appointment
Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen business, I will not be able to keep our appointment for [Link] it be possible to arrange another time later in the week? Im afraid that I have to cancel our meeting on Wednesday, as something unexpected has come [Link] you be free to meet early next week?
USE OF MODALS IN DIFFERENT OFFICIAL SITUATIONS Making a call. Could I speak to X please? I would like to speak to X please? Could you put me through to X please? Taking a call. May I know who's calling? Could I have your name please? Could I know who's calling please?
USE OF MODALS IN DIFFERENT OFFICIAL SITUATIONS
Offering to take a message over a call.
Would you like to leave a message?
May I take a message? Could I take your name and number?
Leaving a message over a call. Could you ask X to call me back please? May I leave a message for X?
USE OF MODALS IN DIFFERENT OFFICIAL SITUATIONS Asking for confirmation. Please confirm if this date and time would be suitable to you. Could you let me know if this is OK for you? Making a negotiation. If you would increase the order size, we could reduce the price. We will reduce the price by 5% if you could increase the order by 5%. As long as you can increase your order, we can give you a greater discount.
USE OF MODALS IN DIFFERENT OFFICIAL SITUATIONS Starting and outlining your position I would like to begin by saying I would like to outline our aims and objectives There are two main areas that we would like to discuss. If you don't understand what the other person is saying Could you repeat that please? Sorry, I couldn't hear you. Can you spell that for me please?