II. SOCIAL FUNCTION OF MODALS: MODALS FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT
4. Categories of the Social Function of Modals
4.1 Willingness, Promises and Intentions
4.1.1 Willingness and Promises
Modals can be used to show that someone is willing to do something—meaning that they are volunteering to do it. However, there is a bit of nuance in this.
4.1.1.1 Willingness: Can
We use 'can' IF the other person would like us to do it. They may not want us to do it or need for us to do it.
Examples
A: I need someone to help me move next weekend. Can anyone help me?
B: I am free on the weekend. I can help you.
I can go to the store to get some cheese.
4.1.1.2 Promises: Will
'Will' is stronger than 'can'. We expect that the other person will do it. It can be used to make a promise, meaning that the other person can be 100% sure that you will do it. Contractions can be used with 'will'; however, they are only used for speaking and for informal written communication such as texting.
Examples
I will wash the dishes after dinner.
We'll call you tonight!
I'll make dinner tonight.
• you'll, he'll, she'll, it'll, we'll, they'll: abbreviations for future tense are only used in speaking. In informal writing, only 'I'll' is used.
4.1.2 Intentions
Intentions are things that we have decided to do. We can use 'will' or 'going to'. 'Going to' is a phrasal modal and has a slightly different nuance than 'will'. 'Going to' is more than an intention—we use it when we have actually made plans to do something. Another phrase for expressing a very low level of intention, though not a modal, is 'thinking of'.
4.1.2.1 Low Intention: Thinking Of
There is a possibility that the intentions could change. It is a very low level of intention.
Example
I am thinking of buying a new coat.
4.1.2.2 Intention: Will
This is a high level of intention. It can be used as a promise (100% intention).
Example
I will be at your graduation next month. You are my best friend.
4.1.2.3 Intention With a Plan: Going To
Example
I am going to see the doctor tomorrow. I have an appointment at 2:00 p.m.
4.1.2.4 Intention at the Time of Speaking
We use 'will' or 'going to' to differentiate when the intention was decided. We use 'will' when a decision is made at the time of speaking. We use 'going to' when the decision was made in advance.
Compare:
• A: I'm going to eat at a Vietnamese restaurant. I haven't cooked dinner. Does anyone want to go with me?
B: I'll (I will) go with you.
• A: What are you going to do over the weekend?
B: Well, my friend and I are going to eat at this new Thai restaurant on Saturday.
4.1.2.5 Intention vs Ability
An intention is weaker than a promise. In some cases, we are willing to do it, but we are not sure that we are able to do it. So, there is a chance that we will not do it. At the moment, we think that we can do it, but this could change.
For intention, the same forms can be used as for a promise. However, a weaker form would be, "I should be able to do it." This is a phrasal modal with Modal + BE.
Examples
I should be able to finish this by 3:00 p.m.
They should be able to go with us to the movie tonight.
4.1.3 Negative Forms for Willingness, Promise and Intentions
There is also a negative form of modals for willingness, promise and intentions, which we use to describe something that will NOT happen. An intention is usually first expressed, followed by a statement that it will not happen. Here, the social purpose is to show that we are willing to do something, but that we are not able to do it, or it is not possible. 'Would' is used as a modal, followed by a statement saying that it will not happen.
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.
If a negative form of this modal is used in the past, the speaker says that something was intended in the past, but it did not happen. Usually, a reason is given for why it did not happen. Here, we use 'would' or 'would not' + 'have' + past participle of the main verb. This is usually followed by a reason for why it did not happen. It is also possible to use 'could' + 'have' + past participle of the main verb to say that it was possible but did not happen.
Examples
I would have called you this afternoon, but my phone was not working.
I could have gotten the promotion if I had taken an extra course in customer service.
Exercise 1: Underline the modals in the following sentences.
When you are finished, discuss with a partner whether each is a modal of willingness, promises, or intentions
Imagine that you are the CEO of a rocket company. You are very good at building rockets, but you don't know how to make them actually fly. You need to find another company that can (ability—not willingness) build the equipment and computer programs that are needed to control the rockets. You have a number of companies that are applying to do this work, but they seem to have different levels of confidence.
Contractor #1 says that they can do this—they have the ability and willingness to do this.
Contractor #2 says that they are going to do this. They seem to have a lot of confidence that they can do it, and they seem to have plans to do it. But last year, they said that they could do it, but they got too busy with something else, and then told you that they had to back out (but… maybe someone else was actually paying them more money?). Now they say that their schedule is clear and that they are going to do this. They already have it in their schedule, and they have plans to do it. Well, they have a lot of plans, but you wonder if they really mean it when they say that they are going to do it.
Contractor #3 doesn't seem to have as much confidence as company #2. They said that they should be able to do this. But maybe they mean that they have the ability to do it but not the time? Or maybe they have the time but are not sure if they have the expertise to do it. Their plans don't seem to be set in concrete (firm/solid).
Contractor #4 can't do it. They are very capable and trustworthy. They do what they say they will do. Unfortunately, they told you that they would do it, but that they are too busy. They did say that they don't want to miss this opportunity, but that they couldn't truthfully say that they can do it.
Exercise 2: Write the modal and double underline the main verb in the following paragraph.
(Bài tập đọc hiểu - không có ô điền)
A: I thought that you were going to clean up the apartment this morning.
B: I would do it, but I just got a call from my friend, and she wanted to go out for coffee. She did not get the job she wanted, so she was feeling a little depressed.
A: Well, couldn't you clean it up when you get back?
B: Well, I could, but listening to my friend made me tired, and I needed to rest a bit.
A: Okay, but it needs to be done. When are you going to do it?
B: Ahh. I would do it now, but I need to get some groceries. I have nothing to eat. I could do it this evening after dinner, but I will definitely do it by tomorrow morning.
Sample Answers
were going to clean up
would do
couldn’t, have cleaned up
could have, needed to rest
needs to be done, going to do
would do, need to get, could do, will definitely do
Exercise 3: Decide the best modal to use in the following sentences and write it in the blanks below.
Choose from 'can', 'will', 'going to', and 'should be able to'. For negative forms, use 'would'. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. A: I am having trouble finding a way to my doctor's appointment tomorrow. Would anyone be able to help me?
B: Well, if you want a ride, I do it.
2. A: We really need to submit the proposal for the building project by Monday.
B: Well, I have been working hard on it. It is almost done; I submit it on time.
3. A: Do you think that you could come to the dance on Saturday?
B: It sounds like fun, and I go, but unfortunately I need to see my friend in the hospital.
4. A: Are you really intending on returning this library book tomorrow? Do you really have time to go to the library?
B: I said that I do it, and I .
5. A: I'm do some hiking tomorrow. Do you want to come with me?
B: But is supposed to rain tomorrow.
A: I don't care. I have been planning this for weeks already, and I have a good rain jacket.
6. A: I heard that you be attending Ivy University this fall.
B: Well, I go to Ivy, but I lost my job, and now I can't afford it.
7. A: It looks like you need a new pair of shoes.
B: I buy a new pair, but I love these shoes. I don't usually wear them in public.
A: Oh, I see. But, really, they look like they are falling apart.
8. A: you please help me! I have been trying for one hour to get this coffee machine to work.
B: Sure, I , but maybe you should just plug it in first.
9. A: I'm drive to the grocery store. I have made up a list of the things I need. Do you want me to pick up anything for you?
B: Actually, I am having a friend over this afternoon. I'm need some coffee.
10. A: Some of us in this class are getting together tomorrow at 3:00 to plan our project. Can you make it?
B: I , but I need to check my schedule first to make sure that I don't have any other meetings I need to be at.
Exercise 4: Write sentences that use modals for willingness, promises and intentions.
Use 'can', 'will', 'going to', and 'should be able to'. For negative forms, use 'would'. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
11. What is something that you said as a promise in the past, but that you wish you had not promised? What did you say?
Trả lời:
12. What is something exciting that you are going to do in the next year? What plans have you made?
Trả lời:
13. If a friend called you right now and asked you to go to a restaurant for dinner, what would you say? (use either 'will' or 'would . . . but')
Trả lời:
14. What is something that you are really hoping to do and maybe have already made some plans for, but you are not sure if it will work at this time?
Trả lời:
Sample Answers
1. What is something that you said as a promise in the past, but that you wish you had
not promised? What did you say?
2. What is something exciting that you are going to do in the next year? What plans
have you made?
3. If a friend called you right now and asked you to go to a restaurant for dinner, what
would you say? (use either ‘will’ or ‘would . . . but’)
4. What is something that you are really hoping to do and maybe have already made
some plans for, but you are not sure if it will work at this time?
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