Expressing Doubt and Certainty in English

Abstract

Learning to express and interpret epistemic modality (degrees of certainty) is not an easy task for learners of English as a second language. The paper discusses three sources of poten tial difficulty: the problem of establishing the precise degree of certainty expressed by particular linguistic forms; the range of linguistic devices available for signalling this aspect of meaning; and the interaction of different types of meaning in different contexts. Some suggestions are provided which may assist second language learners wishing to develop competence in expressing and interpreting degrees of certainty and conviction in English.

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