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Modal words
Textbook: pp. 129–130
GoalGet to know modal words; identify them in a sentence.
New words
modal word · modal so‘zcertainty · ishonchsupposition · gumonof course · albatta
Explanation
Modal words show how the speaker himself regards the thought expressed in the sentence: whether he believes it, doubts it, is glad or regrets it. They also show the order of thoughts or a conclusion. For example, “albatta” shows certainty, “ehtimol” supposition, “afsuski” regret, “xullas” a conclusion. A modal word is not grammatically linked to the other words in the sentence and is not a sentence member. In writing it is set off by commas: Albatta, men sizga yordam beraman (Of course, I will help you).
Worked examples
Afsuski, bugun yomg‘ir yog‘adi (Unfortunately, it will rain today).
Ehtimol, mehmonlar kechga yetib kelishar (Perhaps the guests will arrive by evening).
Class activity
Opinion scale: the teacher reads a sentence and pupils name the attitude the modal word shows (certainty, supposition, regret).
Practice
1
What do modal words express?
The speaker's attitude to the thought in the sentence.
2
What meanings do modal words express? Name three.
Certainty, supposition, regret.
3
Find the modal word in “Albatta, kelaman” and state its meaning.
Albatta — expresses certainty.
4
Why is a comma put after a modal word?
Because a modal word is not connected to the parts of the sentence and is set off by a comma.