Indicating obligation and willingness
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Using verbs to indicate obligation | page 2 of 5 |
Degrees of obligation
Note that different verbs 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 are required to ... This level can be
glossed as requirement (where the hearer is obliged to do as the speaker
orders/requests by virtue of the speaker's authority). |
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The mid level is suggested obligation, and at this level the
hearer has more choice, eg I advise you to ... 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 are permitted ... This level can be glossed as permission. |
Introduction
Degrees of obligation
