Sir,
How can I know that a particular sentence has the meaning of request or permission.
May I go out.
Shall I prepare tea for you.
I mean by reading the sentence how can I come to know that particular sentence is for request or for order.
Thanks.
request
Moderator: Alan
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Alan
- Teacher/Moderator
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- Location: Japan
Since the same modal expression can often serve a number of illocutionary purposes, some cultural knowledge is required. Only experience can really teach you this. Bear in mind, though, that the dividing line between e.g. a strong request and a mild command can be very subjective, and is not even strictly a matter of grammar but rather of interpretational convention.
You should consult a good learners' dictionary in order to familiarize yourself with the range of possible meaning-types of various modal constructions. As your experience of English grows, you will find it increasingly obvious from either sense or context which particular meaning is applicable in any given situation.
You should consult a good learners' dictionary in order to familiarize yourself with the range of possible meaning-types of various modal constructions. As your experience of English grows, you will find it increasingly obvious from either sense or context which particular meaning is applicable in any given situation.