Polysemous: Means That a Word Has a Variety of Meanings (Subject to the Context and Other

Title: 2 Grammatical Issues : Using Modality to Express Ability This podcast is brought to you free of charge by Dhurakij Pundit University International College. Please visit our website at www.dpu.ac.th/dpuic for more information and downloads. You can then follow the scripts, examples and written guidance while you listen.

Introductio Most modal verbs are polysemous, which means the same words carry many n meanings, so modal verbs are much easier to understand if the focus of attention is (Narrator) on semantics as opposed to syntax. That is to say, the meaning of modal verbs is easier to understand and is more coherent than the grammatical rules which are often inconsistent and contradictory. A very common use of modality is to express abilities. This is a type of ‘dynamic’ modality. The modal verb ‘can’ is the most frequently used for this purpose. For example, “I can play football quite well” “ I can drive a car” “I can speak French” “I can swim very well” or “I can read and write in three languages” The modal phrase ‘’be able to’’ is another way of expressing this idea. For example, “I am able to ride a bicycle”; “I am able to speak three languages” You should also note that ‘’To be able to” can also be used to express willingness, for example “I am able to help you after 2pm”. This issue is addressed in the next podcast in this series. The modal verb “could” indicates abilities that have since been lost. For example, “ I could swim very well when I was young” To ‘be able to’ can be employed in a range of time frames to indicate past, recent and future abilities. “Ï was able to play football quite well as a boy” indicates a past ability; “He has been able to improve his speaking ability” indicates recent improvements; and:”She will be able speak French better after her home-stay in Paris” indicates a possible future improvement in ability. Like auxiliary verbs in general, a dynamic ‘can’ or ‘be able to’ can be negated. For example “I cannot speak French”; “I cannot drive a car”; “I am not able to walk without sticks”. Again we have to be careful, as “I am unable to help you” may mean a lack of ability to help you; but is more likely to mean a lack of willingness to help. Like other auxiliary verbs, the modal ‘can’, and the phrase ‘be able to’ can be placed before the subject to form an interrogative. For example: “Can you speak French?” or “Are you able to drive?” If you want to practice your skills with any of the grammatical features, you can visit our website and download a list of links for free learning resources online. This podcast is brought to you by Dhurakij Pundit University International College. Please visit our website at www.dpu.ac.th/dpuic for more information, tape scripts, supporting materials and other downloads.

Glossary

Polysemous: means that a word has a variety of meanings (subject to the context and other factors) Modality: the modification of the verb phrase to indicate a mood which can be indicative, subjunctive or imperative

Indicative: stating a fact or opinion

Subjunctive: indicating a hypothetical (unreal) situation

Imperative: giving an order or advice

Dynamic modality: they type of modality that includes the expression of abilities and willingness.

Semantics: a focus on the meaning of words, phrases and clauses.

Syntax: a focus on the grammar and mechanics of words, phrases and clauses.

Interrogative: a question form