The Thought Occurs

Friday 1 August 2014

Modal Adjuncts



Type
Meaning
Examples
I
probability
how likely?
probably, possibly, certainly, perhaps, maybe
usuality
how often?
usually, sometimes, always, (n)ever, often, seldom
typicality
how typical?
occasionally, generally, regularly, for the most part
obviousness
how obvious?
of course, surely, obviously, clearly
II
opinion
I think
in my opinion, personally, to my mind
admission
I admit
frankly, to be honest, to tell you the truth
persuasion
I assure you
honestly, really, believe me, seriously
entreaty
I request you
please, kindly
presumption
I presume
evidently, apparently, no doubt, presumably
desirability
how desirable?
(un)fortunately, to my delight/distress, regrettably, hopefully
reservation
how reliable?
at first, tentatively, provisionally, looking back on it
validation
how valid?
broadly speaking, in general, on the whole, strictly speaking, in principle
evaluation
how sensible?
(un)wisely, understandably, mistakenly, foolishly
prediction
how expected?
to my surprise, surprisingly, as expected, by chance

(Halliday & Matthiessen 2004: 82)