modality and mood Flashcards
modality vs mood
- modality: expression of the speaker’s or writer’s opinions about present likelihood or about obligation
-
mood: grammatical category relating to the speaker’s or writer’s attitude to express a factual, non-factual or directive meaning
-> indicative
-> imperative
-> subjunctive
modal meanings
-
epistemic use: referring to degrees of certainty
Could this be Jimmy?
He may come = it is possible that he comes -
deontic use: referring to degrees of obligation/volition
Could I speak to Maureen, please?
He may come = he is allowed to to come
forms of the present subjunctive
infinitive, no inflection
I, you, he/she/it, we, they come/have/run/do/be
(only 3rd person singular is discernible from indicative form → without final -s)
mandative use of subjunctive
in that-clauses after verbs and verbal complexes expressing a demand or decision
e.g. The Law-Lords have decided that the existing law be (should be) retained. They insisted that we not eat (shouldn’t eat) meat.
possible, but not mandative use of subjunctive
in certain types of adverbial clauses
a) in clauses of concession
We shall continue our endeavors, though the price be (may be /is) high.
b) in clauses of purpose
We need more money so that each of the children be given (can/will/may be given) a start in life.
c) in conditional clauses
Living conditions will be improved in this area unless there be (should be /is) another serious drought. (condition can be fulfilled)
what’s this?
Come what may, we will go ahead with our plan.
God save the queen!
formulaic subjunctive
past subjunctive/ modal past: forms
(if) I/he/she it were
=> past subjunctive
(if) I/he/she/it was/ stopped/ had come
=> modal past
both have the same meaning and translate into German Konjunktiv
use of past subjunctive
- in hypothetical conditional clauses
If the youth club were (was) nearer, I would go there more often. - in adverbial clauses expressing a hypothetical comparison
He looks as if he were (was) bored. - in clauses expressing a hypothetical wish
If only he didn’t talk such nonsense. - formulaic: as it were
use of can/may
- possibility
- ability (Paula can’t sing, but she can play the guitar.)
- permission/ prohibition
- willingness (I can do that for you.) => modal use
use of must/ have (got) to
- obligation/ requirement (=> deontic)
- logical necessity/ conclusion (=> epistemic)
use of will/ shall
- probability/ prediction
- predictable/ habitual events A lion will attack a human being only when hungry.
-
responding (of inanimate objects)
It’s a good piano, but it just won’t stay in tune. - intentions and offers: I’ll help you across the street.
- requests, invitations, directives
use of would
I past for will:
1. reported speech
2. future-in-the-past
3. habitual actions (also used to)
4. responding (of inanimate objects, e.g. I tried all the keys but the door just wouldn’t open.)
5. volition
II conditional sentences/ wishes
III polite requests
IV TENTATIVE SUPPOSITION (epistemic): What a big parcel. Would it be from Grandpa?
V hedging = linguistic strategy used to avoid sounding too authoritative or direct (I would always recommend a slightly softer bed than a harder one. The total would be about £260, I would think.
use of should
- obligation/ advice
-
logical necessity
They should/ought to be in Paris by now. -
Should in that-clauses
putative: after vbs or verbal complexes which express an emotional effect or evaluation: That it should come to this! I’m surprised that he should have felt lonely.
mandative: after vbs and verbal complexes which express a demand or a decision: She insisted that he should stay. -
Should in conditional sentences: condition can be fulfilled
If I should see her, I’ll let you know. -
Hedging
Things change, especially in your field, I should imagine/ think/ say.
