The modal verbs can and may in English and Spanish

The modal verbs can and may in English and Spanish PDF Author: Andra Stefanescu
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 3638054691
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 89

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Book Description
Diploma Thesis from the year 2007 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1, University of Bucharest (Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures), language: English, abstract: Modality is a semantic concept that covers notions such as possibility, probability, permission, ability, volition, necessity and obligation. The class of modals is in many languages both syntactically and semantically highly irregular and unpredictable: modals frequently have idiosyncratic conjugational patterns and are subject to highly specialized syntactic rules. One of the main characteristic of modal verbs is their relatively imprecise and indeterminate meaning, their ambiguity: the same modal can be deontic (i.e. based on rules and regulations), but it may also involve processes, sets of knowledge or belief systems, and thus get an epistemic interpretation. In order to define the class of modals or to provide a set of environments in which a modal may be correctly or appropriately used, one must refer to many levels of language: the purely syntactic environment, as well as the logical structure, the context of the utterance, the assumptions that are shared by the speaker and the addressee, the social situation assumed by the participants in the discourse, the impression the speaker wants to make on the addressee, and so on. There is also the question of the appropriate context environments, that is, the semantic-pragmatic issue. Therefore, a complete analysis of a particular modal can only be achieved by looking both at its syntactic features and at its semantic structure; in other words, the syntax of a modal verb is based on its semantics, and these two dimensions are inseparable.

The modal verbs can and may in English and Spanish

The modal verbs can and may in English and Spanish PDF Author: Andra Stefanescu
Publisher: GRIN Verlag
ISBN: 3638054691
Category : Literary Collections
Languages : en
Pages : 89

Get Book Here

Book Description
Diploma Thesis from the year 2007 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1, University of Bucharest (Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literatures), language: English, abstract: Modality is a semantic concept that covers notions such as possibility, probability, permission, ability, volition, necessity and obligation. The class of modals is in many languages both syntactically and semantically highly irregular and unpredictable: modals frequently have idiosyncratic conjugational patterns and are subject to highly specialized syntactic rules. One of the main characteristic of modal verbs is their relatively imprecise and indeterminate meaning, their ambiguity: the same modal can be deontic (i.e. based on rules and regulations), but it may also involve processes, sets of knowledge or belief systems, and thus get an epistemic interpretation. In order to define the class of modals or to provide a set of environments in which a modal may be correctly or appropriately used, one must refer to many levels of language: the purely syntactic environment, as well as the logical structure, the context of the utterance, the assumptions that are shared by the speaker and the addressee, the social situation assumed by the participants in the discourse, the impression the speaker wants to make on the addressee, and so on. There is also the question of the appropriate context environments, that is, the semantic-pragmatic issue. Therefore, a complete analysis of a particular modal can only be achieved by looking both at its syntactic features and at its semantic structure; in other words, the syntax of a modal verb is based on its semantics, and these two dimensions are inseparable.

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary

Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary PDF Author: Kate Woodford
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780521824231
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 1550

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Book Description
The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary is the ideal dictionary for advanced EFL/ESL learners. Easy to use and with a great CD-ROM - the perfect learner's dictionary for exam success. First published as the Cambridge International Dictionary of English, this new edition has been completely updated and redesigned. - References to over 170,000 words, phrases and examples explained in clear and natural English - All the important new words that have come into the language (e.g. dirty bomb, lairy, 9/11, clickable) - Over 200 'Common Learner Error' notes, based on the Cambridge Learner Corpus from Cambridge ESOL exams Plus, on the CD-ROM: - SMART thesaurus - lets you find all the words with the same meaning - QUICKfind - automatically looks up words while you are working on-screen - SUPERwrite - tools for advanced writing, giving help with grammar and collocation - Hear and practise all the words.

English Modal Auxiliary Verbs: May, Might, Can, Could, Will, Would, Shall, Should, Must, Need, Used To

English Modal Auxiliary Verbs: May, Might, Can, Could, Will, Would, Shall, Should, Must, Need, Used To PDF Author: Manik Joshi
Publisher: Manik Joshi
ISBN:
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 106

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Book Description
Modal Auxiliary Verb (or ‘Modal Verb’ or ‘Modal Auxiliary’) is a verb that is used with another verb (not a modal verb) to express ability, intention, necessity, obligation, permission, possibility, probability, etc. English modal auxiliary verbs - may, might, can, could, will, would, shall, should, must, need, used(to), ought(to), dare | different patterns and examples | may and might are used to express- possibility, compulsion, obligation, probability (in the present and future) | can, could are used to express- ability, probability, possibility, suggestion, request, condition | will, would are used to express- action in future, present habit, compulsion, obligation | shall, should are used to express- action in future, suggestion, surprise, importance or purpose | need is used to express necessity | used(to) is used to express- past habit | ought(to) is used to express- probability, recommendation, obligation, advise | dare is used to express– be brave enough to Sample This: Modal Auxiliary Verb -- May and Might Uses of ‘May’ and ‘Might’ (1). Possibility/Probability It may rain the day after tomorrow. [= Perhaps it will rain the day after tomorrow. OR It is possible that it will rain the day after tomorrow.] He may have caught the train. [= Perhaps he caught the train. OR It is possible that he caught the train.] (2). To say what the purpose of something is Many people flatter that they may win favor. [= Many people flatter in order to win favor.] They ran so that they might arrive in time. [= They ran in order to arrive in time.] (3). To admit that something is true before introducing another point, argument, etc. It may not be wise, but using force may be lawful. [= Although it is not wise, using force may be lawful.] (4). To express wishes and hopes May you live a prosperous life! May you have a good time! My teacher blessed me that I might succeed in my exams. (5). To give or refuse Permission [In Informal and Polite Way] You may not withdraw money from your bank account. [= You are not allowed to withdraw money from your bank account.] (6). To seek Permission [In Informal and Polite Way] May I borrow your book for two days? (Yes, you may.) May I come in? (No, you may not.) Difference between ‘May’ and ‘Might’ ‘Might’ is the past equivalent of ‘may’ in indirect speech. ‘Might’ is very polite and formal. It is not common. It is mostly used in indirect questions. I wonder if I might work on your computer. But it is used in the same way as ‘may’ to talk about the present or future. ‘Might’ is used as a less positive version of ‘May’ ‘May’ denotes more possibility/probability ‘Might’ denotes less possibility/probability May I use your mobile phone? Might I use your mobile phone? (= A diffident way of saying ‘May I use your mobile phone?’) ‘Might’ also denotes ‘would perhaps’ You might attract the President’s attention later. [= Perhaps you would attract.] He might have to go [= Perhaps he had to go.] ‘Might’ is also used to express a degree of dissatisfaction or reproach; as, You might pick up an argument with him! You might have picked up an argument with him! ‘Might’ has limitations while ‘asking permission’ Note: Avoid using ‘might’ to seek or give permission. [Prefer to use ‘may’] | Avoid using ‘might not’ to refuse permission. [Prefer to use ‘may not’]. Using ‘might’ to seek or give permission is very formal and is not used very often. Might I ask for your address? Might I offer you something to eat? [Exception: You can use ‘might’ to give permission or ‘might not’ to refuse permission in “indirect speech”] He asked me whether he might stay in my house. Note: ‘Maybe’ is an adverb. [‘Maybe’ means ‘perhaps’] -- Maybe he came to know something secret and was removed from the post. ALSO NOTE: Difference between ‘May’ and ‘Can’ ‘May’ is more formal than ‘Can’ ‘May’ is mostly used in ‘formal’ English. ‘Can’ is mostly used in ‘informal’ (or spoken) English ‘Can’ is used to show ability/capability/capacity, while ‘may’ is never used in this sense.

The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation

The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation PDF Author: Lester Kaufman
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119652847
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 272

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Book Description
The bestselling workbook and grammar guide, revised and updated! Hailed as one of the best books around for teaching grammar, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation includes easy-to-understand rules, abundant examples, dozens of reproducible quizzes, and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar to middle and high schoolers, college students, ESL students, homeschoolers, and more. This concise, entertaining workbook makes learning English grammar and usage simple and fun. This updated 12th edition reflects the latest updates to English usage and grammar, and includes answers to all reproducible quizzes to facilitate self-assessment and learning. Clear and concise, with easy-to-follow explanations, offering "just the facts" on English grammar, punctuation, and usage Fully updated to reflect the latest rules, along with even more quizzes and pre- and post-tests to help teach grammar Ideal for students from seventh grade through adulthood in the US and abroad For anyone who wants to understand the major rules and subtle guidelines of English grammar and usage, The Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation offers comprehensive, straightforward instruction.

The Place of Modal Verbs in the Grammar of English with Special Emphasis on "can", "may", and "must"

The Place of Modal Verbs in the Grammar of English with Special Emphasis on Author: Arthur Leonidas Palacas
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 170

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Book Description


Modals : Can, Could, May, Might

Modals : Can, Could, May, Might PDF Author:
Publisher: EKalam
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
In this chapter you will learn :- We studied can and could is used to show possibility, ability and permission, May and might Is used for formal permission, possibility and request.

A Reference Grammar of Spanish

A Reference Grammar of Spanish PDF Author: R. E. Batchelor
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1139488473
Category : Foreign Language Study
Languages : en
Pages : 573

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Book Description
A Reference Grammar of Spanish is a comprehensive handbook on the structure of the Spanish language. Keeping technical terminology to a minimum, it provides a detailed yet clear point of reference on all the intricacies of Spanish grammar, covering word order, parts of speech, verb use, syntax, gender, number, alphabet, and pronunciation. Accompanied by a wealth of carefully chosen examples, it looks at Spanish in Iberia, the USA, Mexico, and Argentina, and demonstrates the differences between these varieties. It is designed specifically with English-speaking learners in mind, and contains useful tools such as a glossary of terms, an index, and a detailed examination of different registers of the language. Clearly structured and systematically organised, this volume is set to become the standard guide to the grammar of contemporary Spanish, and will be an invaluable resource for teachers and students, as well as a practical supplement to textbooks and classroom study.

Verbs: Verb Tenses and Moods I. in Spanish Ii. in English

Verbs: Verb Tenses and Moods I. in Spanish Ii. in English PDF Author: Alexander León
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781073561636
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 224

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Book Description
Due to the reception of the first edition, the contents of the previous edition have been extended and deepened. The book is divided into two parts: The first part (called PART I) is a study of verb tenses and moods of Spanish. It is an almost ''complete'' summary of the conjugation in Spanish, difficult to find in a single volume in a clear and orderly manner (I hope I have achieved such an objective!).The second part (called PART II) is a study of verb tenses and moods of English (in order to establish, afterwards, their equivalents in Spanish). Modal verbs, semi-modal verbs and other expressions are also included. As in the first edition, the goal is to set up equivalences between Spanish and English tenses, such that, by following patterns included here, you will be able to build your own sentences in Spanish in the right verb tense and mood, or, given a particular sentence in Spanish, you will be able to identify its verb characteristics and then say it correctly in English. Similarly, given a sentence in English, you will be able to write it in Spanish correctly.Many examples are included with their translations to the other language. In fact, the study is carried out through examples and their equivalences.Useful also for B2 English level for non-native English speakers. Learn as way native-Spanish speakers learn!

Language and Function

Language and Function PDF Author: Josef Hladký
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing
ISBN: 9789027215581
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 360

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Book Description
The present volume, originally prepared to celebrate Jan Firbas' 80th birthday, unfortunately is presented only belatedly, to commemorate one of the most outstanding personalities of functional and structural linguistics. Its contributors have been inspired by the richness and penetrating invention of Firbas, contained in his analysis of functional sentence perspective and of many other aspects of sentence and discourse.

The Functional Perspective on Language and Discourse

The Functional Perspective on Language and Discourse PDF Author: María de los Ángeles Gómez González
Publisher: John Benjamins Publishing Company
ISBN: 9027270201
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
Languages : en
Pages : 302

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Book Description
Over the last forty years, the functionalist approach to linguistic description and explanation has given rise to several major schools of thought that share two crucial assumptions: (i) form is not independent of meaning/function or language use; and (ii) linguistic description and explanation need to take into account the communicative function of language. This volume offers readers interested in functional linguistics a selected sample of studies that jointly prove the efficacy of the analytical tools and procedures broadly accepted within the functionalist tradition in order to investigate language and discourse, with special focus on key pragmatic/discourse notions such as contextualization, grammaticalisation, reference, politeness, (in-)directness, discourse markers, speech acts, subjective evaluation and sentiment analysis in texts, among others. In addition, this volume offers specific corpus-based techniques for the objective contextualisation of linguistic data, which is crucial given the central role allotted to context in both functional linguistics and pragmatics/discourse analysis.