How are modal verbs used by authors to convey character or theme?

3 days ago ... We often use modal verbs or other modal expressions when we want to express an opinion or attitude about a possible fact or to control a possible action. Jan 6, 2015 ... One interesting linguistic phenomenon in contemporary English involves the use of the noun forms of auxiliary verbs (e.g., oughts, shoulds). Mar 17, 2022 ... A modal verb is an auxiliary verb used with a main verb to show possibility, intent, ability or necessity. Common modal verbs include can, ... Modal verbs are auxiliaries, or "helping" verbs: they are used in conjunction with another verb (in infinitive form) as a way to modify its meaning. MODAL VERBS · 1: They don't use an 's' for the third person singular. · 2: They make questions by inversion ('she can go' becomes 'can she go?'). · 3: They are ... Feb 19, 2023 ... How to Use Modal Verbs. This infographic explains 10 modal verbs and their usages with useful examples. Feb 24, 2025 ... Modal Auxiliary Verbs are a very rich area of the English language. They are used with great frequency and with a wide range of meanings. Jan 22, 2025 ... Frequently used modal verbs include can, may, might, could, should, would, will, and must. Less common ones like shall and ought are still used ... Jun 1, 2018 ... Modals in Academic Writing. General use: Research examining multiple papers reveals that modal verbs are commonly used in academic writing. In academic writing, modal verbs are most frequently used to indicate logical possibility and least frequently used to indicate permission. Eight modal verbs ...