II. SOCIAL FUNCTION OF MODALS: MODALS FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT
4. Categories of the Social Function of Modals
4.4 Preference and Desires
We express preference when we have a choice between different actions, situations, or things and we like one of the choices better than another. For example, if I were offered either an orange or an apple, I might like oranges better, so my preference is for an orange.
Modal Form:
- 'would like' + noun (preferred or desired object/something)
- 'would like' + infinitive (preferred or desired action)
- 'would rather' + 'have' + noun (preferred or desired object/something)
- 'would rather' + verb (preferred or desired action)
For Questions: Use the same pattern as a question with a verb that has an auxiliary. In this case, the modal goes before the subject of the sentence and the verb follows the subject.
- For questions about a choice, we often use the verb 'prefer' with a modal.
Example
Would you prefer this or that?
- However, in statements, we don't usually use the modal.
Example
I would prefer an orange.
Examples
Question:
• Would you like an apple? (desire)
• Would you like an apple or an orange? (preference)
• Would you prefer a sweater or a jacket?
Statement:
• I would like an apple.
◦ When asked about a desire, we would normally answer "Yes, thank you!" or "No, thank you."
• I prefer an apple. (preference when given a choice—no modal used)
◦ When asked about a choice, we would normally say either, "I would like an/the apple" OR "I would prefer an/the apple."
Other Examples:
• A: What kind of movie would you like to watch?
B: I would rather watch an action movie.
• A: I would like to go out for dinner. Would you like to come with me?
B: OK. I'll go with you.
• A: What kind of food are you hungry for? Hamburgers and fries? Vietnamese?
B: I would rather have something light, so Vietnamese sounds good.
• A: What kind of hat are you looking for?
B: Well, I need a hat for going to the beach, so I would like a hat with a big brim—to protect me from the sun.
• A: I am going skating. Would you like to go with me?
B: I would rather watch a movie. It's cold outside, and I am not a very good skater. I'm afraid of falling.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with a modal expression of preference or desire.
Use the modal form that is in [brackets] at the front of the sentence. If the preference is about an action (there is a verb in parentheses behind it), be sure to write the verb as an infinitive. In a conversation, the person who is answering uses the same modal that the person asking the question used. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
Example:
A: Do I need to finish this?
B: Yes, you do need to finish it (or "Yes, you do." for a short answer).
1. [like, would] I can speak Italian, so I (visit) Italy someday.
2. [like, would] A: Which (like, you) spaghetti or lasagna?
B: I spaghetti.
3. [prefer, would] A: Which (prefer) your daughter as a pet? A cat or a dog?
B: She a dog.
4. [would] My friend is really thirsty. She (like) some cold water if you have any.
5. [rather, would] A: (take, you) the bus or ride a bicycle?
B: I (take) the bus. I am very tired.
6. [like, would] A: (like, you, leave) at 6:00 or at 7:30?
B: (leave, I) as soon as possible, so 6:00 sounds good.
7. [prefer, would] A: Which hair style (prefer, you)—straight, wavy or curly?
B: I my hair to be curly.
Exercise 2: Answer the following questions about desires and preferences.
Use complete sentences. Then tell why you would choose what you have chosen. After you are finished, you may share your answers with a partner. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. Would you rather have a dog or a cat as a pet?
Why?
2. Which country would you like to travel to?
Why?
3. If someone offered you a new car, what kind of car would you like?
Why?
4. Would you rather live in an extremely cold climate or an extremely hot climate?
Why?
5. Would you like to work as a dentist or as a realtor (sell houses or property)?
Why?
6. Would you prefer to live at the age you are or be a child of six years old?
Why?
7. What would you like to eat right now?
Why?
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