Modality

Which of these words is an example of high modality?

• might

• will

Which word is an example of low modality?

• may

• must

Modality is...

• the selection of words used to express how certain we are of something

• changing a verb to a noun to make writing more formal

Which words are modal words in the following sentence?

Angela was definitely going to the movie because she had said that it was a must see film.

• was, going

• definitely, must

High modality language makes your persuasive writing much more...

• descriptive

• convincing

Which words are modal words in the following sentence?

Steve said he might go to the footy match as he may not be able to get a ticket.

• might, may

• go, get

Low modality language makes your persuasive writing much more...

• expressive

• vague and uncertain

Which of the following is NOT a high modality word?

• must

• should

• certain

• could

Which of the words in the following sentence is a low modal word?

We can definitely win the championship game.

• can

• win

• game

• definitely

Which of the words in the following sentence is a high modal word?

You must stop smoking because it is bad for you.

• stop

• bad

• because

• must