What is directive modality?

Definition
	Directive modality is a deontic modality that connotes the speaker’s degree of requirement of conformity to the proposition expressed by an utterance.

Discussion
	If the usage of the term directive modality is extended beyond discussion of solely grammaticalized means of expression, it becomes nearly synonymous with directive illocutionary point.

Examples (English)
	The imperative mood in Stop! The modal auxiliary verbs may or can in You may/can go at four o’clock

Kinds
	Here are some kinds of directive modality:
	What is deliberative mood? What is imperative mood? What is jussive mood? What is obligative mood? What is permissive mood? What is precative mood? What is prohibitive mood?

Generic
	Directive modality is a kind of
	What is deontic modality?

Sources
	Palmer 1986 97–-98
	Crystal 1980 95
	Quirk, Greenbaum, Leech, and Svartvik 1985 78

Context for this page:

Concept module: directive modality
In overview module: Glossary (Linguistics): D
In modular book: Glossary of linguistic terms, by Eugene E. Loos (general editor), Susan Anderson (editor), Dwight H., Day, Jr. (editor), Paul C. Jordan (editor), and J. Douglas Wingate (editor)
In bookshelf: Linguistics

This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library, Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003. [Ordering information.]

Page content last modified: 5 January 2004

© 2004 SIL International