Epistemic Modality

Epistemic Modality

1. To express Possibilities and Necessities

   • Would: Sth that "would" happen.
   • Could: Possibly happening
   • May: Fullfil desires
   • Must do: Obbey the law.
   • Certainly, they are not sure to be real
     • Also, we use other categories to express Modality
       • Noun: Possibility
       • Adjective: Possible
       • Auxiliary verb: have to
       • Adverbs: Maybe

2. Interaction of modals with other elements

   • Ability: Physical or psicologycal
   • Theological: Goals
   • Bouletic: desires
   • Deontic: orders of authorities
   • Epistemic: needs evidence

3. Conclusions

   • The semantics of modals are are partly dependent of their grammatical environment.
   • With modals you can explore diverse meanings
   • It is possible to challenge analyses of possibilities with modals