What is the difference between deontic and epistemic modal verbs?

A modal verbs is a type of auxiliary verb that shows possibility or obligationAn auxiliary verb is a verb that forms the tenses or moods in a sentence "helping words"e.g. Be, do, have (I have visited Rome)Modal Auxiliaries include:cancouldmaymightmustshallshouldwill, and wouldA deontic verb demonstrates necessity/obligation - so you need to complete the action e.g. You must go to school e.g. You should brush your teeth An epistemic verb shows possibility - often highlighting ability or choice to perform an action eg. you could go to school e.g., You might go to school

Related English Language A Level answers

All answers ▸

(Paper 4) English as a Global Language: What are 'Kachru's Three Circles of English'?


What's the difference between a transitive and stative verb?


(Studying morphology) What exactly is the role of inflection?


What's the best way of analysing texts?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences