II. SOCIAL FUNCTION OF MODALS: MODALS FOR SOCIAL INTERACTION AND ENGAGEMENT
4. Categories of the Social Function of Modals
4.5 Advice and Obligation: Different Levels of Intensity
Modals can be used to give advice or express obligations at different levels of intensity. Intensity refers to the pressure put on someone to do something because of how important it is. Intensity is sometimes connected to the idea of formality. Usually, we use formality to respect the rights of another person to make their own decision, without being pressured by another person to do it. Formality is also influenced by the situation we are in and by the person whom we are speaking with.
Again, there are different levels of intensity when giving advice.
The difference between giving advice and obligations is that obligations are connected with a social, employment or institutional expectation or responsibility to do something. Modals that refer to obligation are phrasal modals: 'supposed to', 'required to', or 'obligated to'.
4.5.1 Simple Modals
Weak Advice (Could Do):
• You might want to wear something more relaxed.
• You could call Gina and ask her to do it.
• You might talk to your boss to see if you could get time off.
Medium to Strong Advice (Should Do):
• You should get an electric bike to go to work. It would save you a lot of money.
Strong/Absolute Advice—Necessity (Must Do—You Don't Have a Choice):
• You have to study, or you will not get a good grade.
• You must catch the 6:00 train, or you will be late for work.
4.5.2 Phrasal Modals
Just as with simple modals, there are different levels of intensity and formality with phrasal modals. Phrasal modals are followed by an infinitive verb.
Although it appears that these phrasal modals are followed by an infinitive verb, the word 'to' is actually part of the phrasal modal and does not make up an infinitive verb. However, in most cases, except when the situation calls for another verb tense, the modal is followed by the base form of the verb, just like an infinitive is. Modals and verb tenses will be discussed later.
Examples
We are supposed to send the pictures today. They are waiting for them. (weaker)
I am obligated to clean the apartment since I had a party here last night. (social necessity)
We are going to send some money. (strong obligation that implies a plan to do it)
We have to call them. We said that we would call them if we are running late. (social necessity)
You have got to pay your speeding ticket, or they may take away your license. (strong necessity—implies negative effects if not followed)
Exercise 1: Look at the situations below. What level of intensity would you use in the following situations: Weak? Medium? Strong?
Write 'w' for weak, 'm' for medium, and 's' for strong. If someone has an obligation to do something, write 'mo' for a medium obligation and 'so' for a strong obligation. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1. Your friend doesn't know which pants they should wear to a wedding.
Trả lời:
2. Your mother is upset. Your mother's friend forgot her birthday.
Trả lời:
3. Your grandfather wants to learn to play an instrument. He wants advice on which instrument to play.
Trả lời:
4. Your friend can't decide whether to wear a sweater or a jacket.
Trả lời:
5. Your uncle doesn't want to attend his nephew's wedding. He doesn't like his nephew's girlfriend.
Trả lời:
6. Your friend is depressed. He just broke up with his girlfriend. He wants to see a movie, but he can't decide whether to see an action movie or a romantic comedy.
Trả lời:
7. Your friend just got her driver's license, and she has been driving too fast.
Trả lời:
8. Your younger brother wants to play football on the school team, but your parents want him to spend more time studying.
Trả lời:
9. Your friend is sick and needs to stay home from classes. Students are required to contact the teacher if they are going to be absent, but your friend is not feeling well and doesn't think it is important.
Trả lời:
Exercise 2: Write advice for the above situations using a modal at the level of intensity that you have chosen.
If the situation takes the form of an obligation, use a modal for obligation. Then, tell why you have made the suggestion. Nhập câu trả lời vào ô trống.
1.
Why?
2.
Why?
3.
Why?
4.
Why?
5.
Why?
6.
Why?
7.
Why?
8.
Why?
9.
Why?
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