Modality

Modality

Modality

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED B2-C2 · 10 WEEKS · $54

In addition to modal and semi-modal verbs and expressions, other parts of speech, such as adjectives, adverbs, and nouns, can also modify or enhance the meaning of main verbs and entire sentences. These versatile elements convey concepts of possibility, necessity, ability, obligation, permission, willingness, or expectation. This engaging course thoroughly explores the utilization of various parts of speech in the context of modality, covering in-depth examples and practical applications of how these linguistic components contribute to expressing and understanding different shades of meaning.

Here are example sentences showcasing how different parts of speech can be used to express modality under each of the headings you provided:

Willingness, Offers, and Requests

  • Adjective: I am willing to help you with your project.
  • Adverb: She gladly offered to assist in organizing the event.
  • Noun: Noun: With great willingness, she volunteered to help the needy.

Obligation, Necessity, Permission, and Forbiddance

  • Adjective: It is obligatory to submit the report by tomorrow.
  • Adverb: The cost of the luxury sports car was prohibitively high, making it unaffordable for the majority of buyers.
  • Noun: They granted permission to access the restricted area.

Advice and Suggestions

  • Adjective: It would be advisable to save money for future expenses.
  • Adverb: She decided, advisedly, to decline the job offer after carefully considering the potential challenges and her long-term career goals.
  • Noun: My suggestion is to start the meeting with an icebreaker activity.

Threats

  • Adjective: The boss issued a threatening warning about potential consequences.
  • Adverb: He threateningly hinted at exposing their secret if they didn't comply.
  • Noun: The email contained a veiled threat towards their reputation.

Inquiries

  • Adjective: Could you please clarify the purpose of this meeting?
  • Adverb: Can you kindly explain how this system works?
  • Noun: I have a question regarding the project timeline.

Invitations

  • Adjective: We extend a warm invitation to join us at the conference.
  • Adverb: Please feel free to attend our upcoming event.
  • Noun: You're invited to celebrate our company's anniversary.

Boldness

  • Adjective: She put forward a bold suggestion to implement a new strategy.
  • Adverb: He courageously confronted his opponent during the debate.
  • Noun: His audacity to challenge the status quo inspired others.

Habits and Permanence

  • Adjective: He makes it a habit to eat breakfast before starting his day.
  • Adverb: She usually exercises to maintain her fitness.
  • Noun: Smoking is a habit that can be difficult to break.

Imagination

  • Adjective: The story painted a vivid and imaginative world.
  • Noun: The painting evoked a sense of creativity and imagination.

Possibility and Certainty

  • Adjective: It is highly likely that they will win the competition.
  • Adverb: She certainly will succeed with her determination.
  • Noun: There's a possibility of rain tomorrow, so bring an umbrella.

Preferences

  • Adverb: He'd preferably go hiking than stay indoors.
  • Noun: What is your preference for the color scheme of the website?

Counterarguments

  • Adjective: I strongly oppose force-feeding children at schools.
  • Adverb: The leader opposed the proposal. Nevertheless, he decided it would be the best course of action.

These examples demonstrate how different parts of speech can express modality across various contexts.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired a solid foundation in the usage of modal and semi-modal verbs, enabling them to express ideas with precision, navigate interpersonal interactions effectively, and comprehend a wide range of written and spoken texts. This course will empower students to become more proficient users of English, equipping them with the linguistic tools necessary for successful communication in academic, professional, and everyday contexts.

This course includes 28 videos, 28 articles, 8 weekly quizzes, a final exam, a grace period to complete late assignments, and a certificate of completion

The Syllabus

Week 1

  • Obligation and Necessity: Part I
  • Obligation and Necessity: Part II
  • Obligation and Necessity: Part III
  • Lack of Obligation or Necessity

Week 2

  • Forbiddance
  • Permission
  • Ability: Part I
  • Ability: Part II

Week 3

  • Taking a Stance: Part I
  • Taking a Stance: Part II
  • Taking a Stance: Part III
  • Counterarguments

Week 4

  • Possibility
  • Possibility and Certainty in the Present and Future
  • Possibility and Certainty in the Past
  • Expectations

Week 5

  • General Possibility
  • Present and Future Possibility
  • Past Possibility
  • Expectations

Week 6

  • General and Specific Preferences
  • Preference for the Actions of Others
  • Requests and Inquiries: Part I
  • Requests and Inquiries: Part II

Week 7

  • Present and Future Certainty
  • Past Certainty
  • Imagination I
  • Imagination II

Week 8

  • Willingness, Promises, Refusal and Threats
  • Boldness
  • Habits and Permanence
  • Modality: Idioms

Week 9

  • A grace period to submit late assignments

Week 10

  • Final Exam

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