"modality"的定义和意义

What is "modality"?

Modality in linguistics refers to the way speakers express attitudes, possibilities, necessities, or obligations regarding an action or situation. It is often conveyed through modal verbs such as "can," "must," or "should." For example, "She can go" expresses possibility, while "She must go" indicates necessity. Modality allows speakers to communicate their stance on the likelihood, desirability, or obligation of events, adding layers of meaning to sentences. It is essential in shaping how actions or situations are understood, giving flexibility and nuance to language.