- Modalities are words that indicate the level of certainty with which a claim can be made.
- High modality indicates certainty and low modality indicates uncertainty.
- Modality can affect the strength of an argument or statement.
- High modality is useful for attracting attention and spreading influence.
- For example: headlines, politicians, slogans where convincing people is key.
- Low modality is useful for showcasing uncertainty and honesty.
- For example: scientific studies, where uncertainty is often present in new theories and research.
Modal Verbs
- Certain words can be used to indicate different levels of modality.
- For example, "would", "could" and "might" indicate a lower modality.
- "Will" and "is going to" indicate higher modality.