Modality and stance
Express precise stance through modality: epistemic vs deontic modals, modal adjectives and nouns, and stance adverbials like admittedly, presumably, undeniably.
In this lesson you will
- Distinguish epistemic and deontic modality
- Use modal adjectives, nouns and adverbs
- Use stance adverbials to position yourself
Learn
Epistemic modality = how certain something is (It must be true; It might rain). Deontic = obligation, permission, necessity (You must leave; You may enter). The same modal can do both: She must be at home (deduction) vs She must be at home by ten (obligation).
Beyond modal verbs: adjectives (it is conceivable/probable/imperative that), nouns (there is every likelihood / a remote possibility / an obligation), adverbs (conceivably, presumably, necessarily).
Stance adverbials show your attitude to the whole proposition: Admittedly (concession), Presumably (assumption), Undeniably (certainty), Arguably (tentative claim), Regrettably (evaluation), Ostensibly (appearance vs reality), Tellingly (significance).
Precision: Ostensibly, the policy targets fraud; in practice, it penalises the poor. One adverb can frame an entire argument.
Examples
- There is every likelihood that rates will rise.
- Ostensibly a cost-saving measure, the merger has increased expenses.
- Tellingly, none of the directors bought shares.
- It is imperative that the findings be verified.
Vocabulary
epistemic
related to knowledge and certainty
deontic
related to obligation and permission
ostensibly
apparently, but perhaps not really
tellingly
in a way that reveals something important
presumably
probably, as one would assume
Practice
“He must be exhausted after that journey” is…
Speaking
Comment on a news story for 90 seconds using at least five stance adverbials (admittedly, ostensibly, tellingly, presumably, arguably).
Writing
Write a critical commentary (150–180 words) on a company’s ‘green’ claims, using modal adjectives/nouns and stance adverbials to position yourself precisely.
Lesson quiz
Deontic modality concerns…
Review
Key points
- Epistemic vs deontic.
- Modal adjectives, nouns, adverbs.
- Stance adverbials.
- Frame arguments precisely.
What you learned
- ✓ I express precise stance.
- ✓ I use a range of modal expressions.
- ✓ I frame arguments with adverbials.
Grammar reference: Modals of deduction: must, might, can’t, Must, have to, should: obligation and advice