II. SOCIAL FUNCTION OF MODALS: MODALS FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT
4. Categories of the Social Function of Modals
4.3 Requests, Offers, and Obligations
Requests, offers and obligations are different than permission and prohibition in that there are usually no formal rules or control in place. Requests and offers are completely voluntary, and there is no one controlling this. Obligations are stronger. They are voluntary, but there is a social expectation that is involved.
4.3.1 Requests
A request is when we ask someone to do something for us. A request is much weaker than giving a command, which is often given in the imperative form (the subject is understood to be the person whom we are talking to). We do not, however, use modals in the imperative form. An obligation is very strong, but it is not a command. It is more of a social responsibility.
Requests vs Command: 'could' vs 'must'
• Could you put this plastic in the recycle bin? (request)
• Could you call me this afternoon? (request)
• Call me this afternoon. (command)
• You must call me this afternoon. I need an answer by 3:00 o'clock. (command)
Note that requests are given in the form of a question.
The format for questions is like making any question from a verb with an auxiliary verb:
modal + subject + verb
Examples
Command: You must put this in the garbage.
Request: Could you put this in the garbage?
An offer is when we say that we will do something for someone else; however, it is somewhat stronger than expressing willingness.
Example
I could help you finish cleaning your car (offer).
4.3.2 Offers
4.3.2.1 Offers: Can and Could
'Can', 'could' and 'would' are also used to make requests and to ask permission for something.
Examples
Could you put this plastic in the recycle bin? (offer)
I could help you finish cleaning your car. (offer)
4.3.2.2 Offer That Is Not Possible: Would
We use 'would' to show that there is a willingness and a desire to help but that it is not possible to do it. Here, as with willingness, we use 'would' as the modal, followed by a verb and a statement giving a reason for why it is not possible.
Examples
I would be able to get better grades, but my job is taking too much of my time.
She would help you, but she has a dentist appointment at that time.
4.3.3 Obligation (Social Responsibility): Have To
We use phrasal modals to talk about obligations or social responsibilities.
Compare: Simple Modal vs. Phrasal Modal
Phrasal modals of request and obligation are stronger than simple modals. While there may not be any formal or predetermined rules in place, there is a strong social or institutional expectation that the request will be followed. Sometimes, there are negative consequences of not carrying out the request. So, they are more like an obligation (in effect, you don't really have a choice).
Examples
Simple Modal: You must hand in the assignment by tomorrow. (strong)
Phrasal Modal: You have to hand in your assignment by tomorrow. (social or institutional responsibility—very strong)
Exercise 1: Write the modals for requests, offers and obligations (can, could, would) in the conversation below.
A: Could you help me get a table from the store? You have a van, right?
B: Yes, I have a van. When would you like some help?
A: Are you available this Saturday?
B: Sorry, but I need to meet a friend this Saturday. But I could do it next Saturday.
A: Uhh. . . that won't work. I really need help this Saturday.
B: Well, like I said, I would help you, but I really have to see my friend on Saturday.
A: You could change your plans, right? I mean, why do you have to see your friend on Saturday?
B: No, you don't understand. She is a really good friend.
A: A better friend than me?
B: Well, no offence, but actually—yes. My friend and I are getting married this Saturday.
Exercise 2: Choose the right modal of requests, offers and obligations.
Write 'can', 'could', or 'would' in the blanks below. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
I Need Help!
1. A: (1) you go with me to choose a new phone? I don't know much about phones.
2. B: When (2) you like me to go?
3. A: How about tomorrow in the afternoon?
B: Well, I can't go in the afternoon, but I (3) go in the morning.
4. A: What about on Friday?
B: Well, I (4) be able to go, but I really need to go to the dentist.
5. A: You sound quite busy. I don't want to bother you, but is there any time that you are able to go?
B: Well, I (5) actually go right now.
6. A: Oh, that's too bad. I (6) be able to go now, but I have to help my mother. I told her that I would bring her to the dentist.
Exercise 3: Complete the conversation with a modal for requests, offers and obligations.
Use 'can', 'could', or 'would'. Some of these modals are actually modals of possibility, so they are not included as a question. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
Playing Badminton
1. A: I need someone to play badminton on the weekend. Are you free?
B: Yes, I (1) play with you. I love badminton.
2. A: (2) you play on Saturday?
3. B: Well, I (3) , but I need to get my groceries on Saturday.
4. A: How about Friday evening?
B: That would work. I can definitely play on Friday evening. But I also have a request for you. (4) you lend me a badminton racquet? I broke mine last week.
5. A: Well, I (5) lend you my extra racquet. But you broke your last racquet because of clumsiness, and I am worried about it getting broken. It is very expensive.
6. B: No problem, if I break it, I (6) replace it.
7. A: Are you sure? Like I said, it is very expensive. It is a professional racquet. It cost me hundreds of dollars.
B: Oh, that is expensive. Maybe I can't play.
Exercise 4: Complete the sentences that express a willingness to do something that cannot actually be done.
Some clauses are the excuse for not being able to do something, and other clauses are the (impossible/unreal) offer to help. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. I would take dance lessons with you, but
2. They would like to help learn to drive, but
3. , but I am afraid of water.
4. I would take care of your cat while you are gone, but
5. , but I really hate disco music.
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