Indicating obligation and willingness
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Using modal verbs to indicate obligation | page 2 of 5 |
Degrees of obligation
Note that different modals are typically used to indicate varying degrees of obligation (high, mid and low). The degree of obligation is a reflection of the amount of choice the hearer has.
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At the highest level, the hearer experiences strong obligation and
therefore has the least choice, eg You must ... Within this level of strong
obligation, it is possible to make a distinction between requirement and necessity,
based on the source of the obligation. With requirement, the hearer is
obliged to do as the speaker orders/requests by virtue of the speaker's authority  . With necessity, the circumstances of the situation
dictate the necessary action . |
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The mid level is suggested obligation, and at this level the
hearer has more choice, eg You should ... This level can be glossed as advice
and hints. |
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The bottom level is low obligation, and at this level the hearer has the greatest choice, eg You may ... This level can be glossed as permission. |
Introduction
Degrees of obligation
