Semantic Classification and Pragmatic Analysis of English Modals

Apart from the common grammatical features,English modals show subtle differences in their meanings and uses. Based on their semantic differences, English modals can be classified into two types: epistemic and non_epistemic. The latter consists of subject_oriented modals and discourse_oriented modals. When used in utterances, modals can convey some implicature and express certain speech acts. Contextual and situational factors must be taken into account in using and understanding modals.