Modal Verbs and Adverbs

Modal verbs and adverbs can be used to show how certain or uncertain the writer feels about a subject:

  We must absolutely protect the planet.                            We should probably protect the planet.                                We could maybe protect the planet. 

  Things surely have to change.                                           Things likely can change.                                                         Things perhaps may change. 

  They undoubtedly will work hard.                                 They generally ought to work hard.                       They feasibly might work hard. 

   Very sure  →                             ←     Quite sure →                           ←     Uncertain 

Exposition and Response texts: 

When arguing one point of view, to show confidence in your opinion or when trying to persuade the reader, high modality verbs and adverb should be used:  

• The PS5 is unquestionably the best console on the market. 

• It will definitely go down in history as the best Young Adult Novel of all time. 

• We must put a stop to battery farming. 

Discussion Texts 

When writing Discussion texts and arguing both sides of an issue, medium and low modality verbs and adverb should be used in order to create a more neutral tone:  

• Videogames could potentially become addictive. 

• Animals should probably be living in the wild and not in zoos.

• Too much cake might be bad for you.