Thinking About Grammar

Here are the notes from the discussion I had with the York group on Monday. I think it is valid sometimes to consider grammar from a different perspective - to focus on context, choice and meaning and notice how structures are being used around you.
SB


WAYS OF THINKING ABOUT MODALS


1. CONTEXT

Think about the context first – that will help you decide what range of modals are available.
Horoscopes are good sources of modals. Highlight the modals below and think about their use.

“All along, there's been a role for you to play - a crucial task for you to carry out, a key connection that only you can make and uphold. But for some reason, you've been out of touch with a person who is able to help you find your niche. Today's New Moon somehow brings back the sense of involvement that you once had and allows you to see what ought to have been obvious. You've got friends who know how valuable you are - and who need something that only you can supply.”

© Jonathan Cainer 2006

2. USE

An auxiliary verb might have many uses not just as a modal. Look a the examples of “should” below – in only two sentences should is used as a modal (once to show probability and once to express an obligation/recommendation). What are the other uses?

(a) She should be home by now.
(b) You should talk to your father.
(c) If you should see David, tell him I need to see him.
(d) Should it rain, the game will be cancelled.
(e) The lawyers recommend that we should take no further action.
(f) I’m amazed that anyone should think like that.
(g) I should say so!
(h) How should I know?
(i) Why should I tell you?
(j) Then guess what? Who should I see but John himself!
(k) I should think so.

Which sentence(s)
(i) Shows surprise?
(ii) Shows irritation?
(iii) Is a set phrase meaning “As far as I know”?
(iv) Contains a subordinate clause?
(v) Is a conditional expressing weak probability?
(vi) Contains a modal expressing obligation or a strong recommendation?
(vii) Contains a modal that expresses probability from a more personal perspective?
(viii) Is a set phrase showing strong agreement?








3. CHOICE

Even within the same use, different modals convey different ideas and attitudes. It often depends on who is talking. When talking about obligation, for example, it is wrong to always use “must” as must also contains information about who holds authority in a particular situation.

Consider the examples below. Think about their difference in meaning – the questions will help you.

(a) We must have a party to celebrate.
(b) We should have a party to celebrate.

(Both are suggestions, but which speaker is more certain that the party will actually take place?)

(a)You must wipe your feet before entering the house!
(b) You have to wipe your feet before entering the house, don’t you?

(Who has authority here? Who is making the rule - The person saying it or someone else?)

(a) You have studied grammar for 6 years so you must know the rules by now.
(b) You should know the rules by now, but if you don’t, get studying!
(c) You have to know the rules to pass the exam.

(Which sentence expresses an assumption, a necessity which one gives advice?)

Special Uses of Must:

Where would you read/hear these sentences? What does that tell you about some of the uses of must?

· CLOSING DOWN! EVERYTHING MUST GO!
· PASSENGERS MUST NOT CROSS THE RAILWAY LINES. USE THE UNDERPASS
· CANDIDATES MUST BE AT THEIR ROOM AT LEAST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EXAM BEGINS
· You must come and have dinner with us this week.


Some Other Situations:

(a) I must buy a new dictionary.
(b) I have to take 2 pills, 3 times a day.
(Which modal is used to express a habitual action?)


(a) Something should be done to stop rising crime!
(b) Something must be done to stop rising crime!
(Which speaker feels more strongly about this issue?)

(a) People caught shoplifting have to be prosecuted.
(b) People caught shoplifting must be prosecuted.
(Which speaker is merely commenting on the obligation and which speaker approves of it?)

4. THE SPECIAL CASE OF “CAN” AND POSSIBILITY

Many of you were surprised to find that we use could/might/may to express the possibility of a particular action but not can. Can can, however, express the general possibility of something (e.g. the circumstances of the situation permit it) or occasional possibility (e.g. sometimes it is possible).

What is the difference in meaning in these two sentences:

This beach might be dangerous, I’ve never been here before.
This beach can be dangerous, so swim between the flags.

Look at the sentences below, which uses of can are correct?

· It can be the postman at the door.
· You can ski on the hills, there is enough snow.
· He can be very unreasonable at times.
· He can be at home by now.
· Can you get to the Trevi Fountain from here?