Indicating obligation and willingness
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Using nouns to indicate obligation | page 2 of 5 |
Degrees of obligation
Note that different nouns are typically used to express 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 have an obligation to ... This level
can be glossed as necessity (where 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 Here is my recommendation ... 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 Here is your authorisation ... This level can be glossed as permission. |
Introduction
Degrees of obligation
