CHAPTER VI

MODALITY

In the interpersonal function, language is used to express a

speaker’s attitude and judgment for communicating with others. Mood
and modality are realized in the lexico-grammar of the language to
convey meanings. Mood is the system that is realized in the selection
of the three main illocutionary acts in terms of indicative,
interrogative and imperative. Modality is the speaker’s opinion or
judgment on the content and speech function of the clause. It refers to
the area of meaning that lies between the positive and the negative
poles, that is whether the process is realized or not realized.

Halliday (1994: 88) notes that modality is the intermediate

degree between the positive and the negative poles. Further, he says
(1994: 356) modality refers to the area of meaning that lies between
yes and no -- the intermediate ground between positive and negative
polarity. In the social context, human being as the language user
interchanges his linguistic experiences to others which are realized in
the form of text. Modality is part of action done by the language users
when they change their linguistic experience to each other which is
represented in a text. In this interchange, the language user may give
his own suggestion or comment in the commodity of what he is
saying. Modality contains consideration, perspective, attitude or
judgment of the addresser to the information or goods and services
which are realized by way of statement, question, offer, and command
(The whole text of this chapter is adopted from Suhadi (2011: 156-
179).
Modality plays a very important role in conveying various
kinds of speech function and clause type. For instance, when you
express a statement such as She can swim, the modal can be expressed
in various related clauses:
a. Can she swim? (Interrogative)
b. She cannot swim. (Negative)
c. She can swim, can’t she? (Tag question)
d. She can swim but he can’t. (Elliptical clause)
e. She can swim, and so can I. (Elliptical clause)
f. She cannot swim and neither can he. (Elliptical clause)
g. She cannot swim and he can’t, either. (Elliptical clause)
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6.1 Realization of Modality

Suhadi (2011: 187) notes that modality in English can be

realized in various linguistic units as follows.

1. Modal
The unmarked type of modality is expressed in such overt
modal operators as must, can, could, may, might, will, would, shall,
should, ought and the semi-modals need and dare. The meaning they
carry may vary depending on the context.

a. Students must abide by the regulations of the university.

(Obligation)
b. At midnight he must have been sleeping soundly.
(Probability)
c. It is raining now; the teacher might not come today.
(Probability)
d. Nobody can lift such a heavy box. (Ability)
e. You can go with your mother to visit your grandma.
(Permission)

2. Modal Adjunct
Modality may also be expressed by adjuncts such as certainly,
definitely, probably, possibly, perhaps, maybe, surely, always, usually,
obviously, etc.

a. Probably, he comes to her house today.

b. Certainly, the examination will be held next week.
c. Possibly, the earthquake happens again today.

3. Lexical Verb
Some lexical verbs may also express modality such as allow,
beg, believe, command, forbid, guarantee, guess, promise, suggest,
warn, wonder, wish, think, suppose, etc.

a. The Principal warned that the students submit their

assignment soon.
b. I think he can solve the problem himself.
c. We suppose that all the students’ works are fair.
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4. Lexico-modal Auxiliary
Modality may also be expressed by lexico-modal auxiliaries
such as be able to, be about to, be apt to, be bound to, be certain to, be
due to, be going to, be liable to, be sure to, be to, be likely to, be
meant to, be supposed to, have to, have got to, had better, would
rather, would sooner, etc.

a. Small children nowadays are able to browse the internet.

b. Websites are bound to abide by the law of the respective
country.
c. Web world is likely to arrive at an uncontrollable
condition.

5. Clause with Adjective

Modality in English can be realized in a clause with an
adjective and followed by either an infinitive or a that-clause. The
common adjectives which are used to express modality are sure,
certain, likely, possible, probable, willing, etc.

a. Budy is certain to pursue higher studies in UK.

b. It is certain that Budy will pursue higher studies in UK.
c. Palestine is probable to get its independence next year.
d. It is probable that Palestine gets its independence next
year.

6. Clause with Past Participle

Modality can also be realized in a clause with a past participle
and followed by either an infinitive or a that-clause. The common past
participle verbs used to express modality are allowed, determined,
confirmed, obliged, required, supposed, etc.

a. Indonesia is required to be provided with more

sophisticated warfare.
b. It is required that Indonesia be provided with more
sophisticated warfare.
c. Foreign citizens are obliged to abide by the regulations of
the country of residence.
d. It is obliged that foreign citizens abide by the regulations
of the country of residence.
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7. Clause with Noun

Another possibility of the realization of modality is in the form
of a clause beginning with either an impersonal it or an existential
there followed by a noun and a that-clause. The nouns commonly used
to express modality are must, chance, certainty, likelihood, possibility,
probability, determination, etc.

a. It is a must that every Master’s student conducts a field

research.
b. It is an obligation that Muslims observe prayers five times
a day.
c. There is a possibility that this earth be burned by the sun
one day.
d. There is a certainty that this earth will perish one day.

8. Conditional Clause
Conditional clauses may carry the meaning of modality to
express probability. If a condition is fulfilled it is possible, probable or
certain that another condition will take place.

a. If it does not rain, the class will be going on. (Possibility)

b. Unless you put enough spices, this food will not be
delicious. (Probability)
c. If green is mixed with yellow, it will become blue.
(Certainty)

9. Combination of Modal and Adjunct

Modality can be expressed on the combination of a modal
operator and an adjunct.

a. According to the Prophetic tradition, the doomsday will

definitely happen on Friday.
b. A strange creature might possibly exist in the building.
c. The Rector must always be ready to meet the
demonstrators.
d. The alligators can sometimes stay on land.
e. A heavy rain may probably fall this afternoon
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6.2 Subclass of Modality

Typological studies on modality are still relatively rare and so

far there is no consensus on the proper terminology and the
classifications of modal meanings. In this book the classification of
modality is adopted from the theory of Systemic Functional
Linguistics proposed in Halliday (1994), Downing and Locke (1995),
and Eggins (2004). However, some outstanding linguists who wrote
on this linguistic matter will also be referred to such as Lion (1977)
and Palmer (1986, 2001).

6.2.1 Modality from the Person Expressing the Judgment

From the orientation of the person expressing the judgment,

modality divides into subjective modality and objective modality.

1. Subjective Modality
Subjective modality is the use of modality in a clause in which
the personal judgment is expressed by the first person.

a. I must continue my study abroad.

b. We may follow them wherever they go.
c. All of us will arrive there soon.

2. Objective Modality
Objective modality is the use of modality in a clause in which
the personal opinion is expressed by the third person or by using the
impersonal it.

a. He has to continue his study abroad.

b. It is a must for him to continue his study abroad.
c. UncleTom will leave for Europe tonight.
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6.2.2 Modality from the Explicitness of Expression

From the explicitness of the expression, modality divides into

explicit modality and implicit modality.

1. Explicit Modality
Explicit modality is a clause in which the modality is
represented by the speaker by using modal operator.

a. You must buy a dictionary.

b. The Dean may be in the office.
c. Such resolution will be in vain.

2. Implicit Modality
Implicit modality is a clause in which the modality used is not
overtly coded in the form of a simple modal but in other realizations
such as modal adjunct, adjective, lexical verb, noun, or other
combination of words.

(1). Modal Adjunct

a. Probably, the student has bought a linguistic dictionary.
b. The Dean certainly comes today.

(2). Adjective
a. It is probable that the student has bought a linguistic
dictionary.
b. It is certain that the Dean comes today.

(3). Lexical Verb

a. I think that the student has bought a linguistic dictionary.
b. We believe that the Dean comes today.

(4). Noun
a. There is a probability that he has bought the linguistic
dictionary.
b. There is certainty that the Dean comes today.
c. It is a must that everybody come to the class on time.
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6.2.3 Hallidayan Theory of Modality

Halliday (1994), and Eggins (2004) note that there are two
types of modality, they are modalization and modulation. There are so
many ways of getting yes to no poles. Because of that, modality needs
to account for the distinction between propositions and proposals.
Proposition is the meaning of the positive and negative poles in
asserting and denying. Proposition is accounted for by modalization,
that is the subtype of modality. On the other hand, proposal is
concerned with the meaning of the positive and negative poles in
prescribing and proscribing. Proposal is accounted for by modulation,
the second subtype of modality.

6.2.3.1 Modalization
Halliday (1994: 89) notes that modalization is concerned with
the meaning ranging between the positive and negative poles, between
asserting and denying: positive it is so, negative it isn’t so.
Modalization is the speaker’s judgment to proposition or information
commodity which is used in communication or interaction.
Modalization divides into probability and usuality.

1. Probability
Thompson (1996: 57) notes that probability is how likely it is
to be true. It means that how the sentence is equivalent to either yes or
no, for instance, maybe yes or maybe no, with different degree of
likelihood attached. Some of the basic points of probability scale are:
possible - probable - certain. That scale confirms that possible is
lower than probable, and probable is again lower than certain. It
means that certain is more convincing than probable and possible.

Probability can be expressed in three ways: finite modal

operator, modal adjunct, and the combination of both finite modal
operator and modal adjunct.

(1). Probability which is expressed by finite modal operator.

a. This guy may be a new comer. (Probability)
b. He might join in our class. (Doubt)
c. He must be from the same department. (Certainty)
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(2). Probability which is expressed by using modal adjunct.

a. He is possibly a migration student. (Uncertainty)

b. He probably joins us in this department. (Probability)
c. He is certainly from the same department. (Certainty)

(3). Probability which is expressed by using both finite modal operator

and modal adjunct.

a. The doomsday will possibly come in 2012. (Possibility)

b. The doomsday will probably come next year. (Probability)
c. The doomsday will certainly come on Friday. (Certainty)

2. Usuality
Usuality is one of the subtype of modalization which lies
between two poles yes and no, which is associated with the frequency
of a process. Thus, usuality can be probed by a question How
frequently does the process take place? So, in usuality the sentence
can be realized by sometimes yes or sometimes no.
Halliday (1994: 89) postulates that the degrees of usuality may
be represented ranging from sometimes, usually, and always.
Sometimes has the lowest degree and usually has a higher degree than
sometimes and always has the highest degree. Usuality can also be
expressed in three ways. They are by finite modal operator, modal
adjunct, and the combination of both finite modal operator and modal
adjunct.

(1). Usuality which is expressed by finite modal operator.

a. Before going to his office Jane will have breakfast.
b. When he was a small boy, he would fish in the river.
c. Water will boil at 100 degree centigrade.

(2). Usuality which is expressed by modal adjunct.

a. Jane sometimes has breakfast at seven o’clock every day.
b. When he was a small boy, he usually bathed in the river.
c. The young boy always comes to her house on Sunday.

(3). Usuality which is expressed by both finite modal operator and

modal adjunct.
a. Jane may sometimes have breakfast at seven o’clock.
b. When he was a boy, he would usually bathe in the river.
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c. If we go to the village, we will always climb palm trees.

6.2.3.2. Modulation

Modulation is concerned with the meaning of a proposal in the

positive and negative poles in prescribing and proscribing (Halliday,
1994: 89).There are two kinds of intermediate possibility depending
on the speech function, whether command or offer. In a command, the
intermediate points represent degrees of obligation, while in an offer,
they represent degrees of inclination.

1. Obligation
Obligation is one of the subtypes of modulation which is used
in a command which lies between yes and no. In a command, it
concerns the degree of obligation on the other person to carry out the
command, which can be scaled by allowed to, anxious to, and
determined to. In this case, the degrees of obligation is ranged from
the lower scale into the higher scale. It means that allowed to has a
lower value than anxious to, while anxious to is lower than determined
to. Thus, determined to has the highest value than allowed to and
anxious to. Thompson (1996: 57) notes that in a command, the scale
for demanded goods and services includes: permissible, advisable, and
obligatory. Obligation can be expressed by a finite modal operator or
by an expansion of the predicator typically by a passive verb or an
adjective.

(1). Obligation expressed by a finite modal operator.

d. The students may submit their assignment next week.
e. On the examination day students should wear uniforms.
f. Students must leave all books outside the exam room.

(2). Obligation expressed by a passive verb.

a. Students are allowed to submit the assignment next week.
b. On the exam day students are advised to wear uniforms.
c. Students are obliged to leave all books outside the
examination room.

(3). Obligation expressed by an adjective.

a. Students are permissible to submit the assignment now.
b. On the exam day students are advisable to wear uniforms.
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c. Students are obligatory to leave all books outside the

examination room.
2. Inclination
Inclination is a subtype of modulation which concerns the
degree of willingness of a speaker to do something. Inclination also
lies between positive and negative polar. Halliday (1994: 89) proposes
that in an offer, the modality used represents the degrees of inclination
ranging from willing to, anxious to, and determined to. The scale
means that willing to is the lowest degree of inclination, anxious to
carries the sense of stronger inclination, and determined to carries the
strongest sense of inclination.
Thompson (1996: 57) adds that in an offer, the modality
concerns the degree of willingness or inclination of the speaker to
fulfill an offer. In inclination, the speaker may signal ability,
willingness, and determination. Ability implies someone’s ability to do
something with minimum inclination, willingness implies stronger
inclination, and determination is the strongest inclination.

Inclination also can be expressed in two ways as follows:

(1). Inclination which is expressed by finite modal operator.
a. Most men can swim in this lake.
b. They will swim across the lake.
c. They must swim across the lake within ten minutes.

(2). Inclination which is expressed by an expansion of the predicator

typically by an adjective or a participle.

a. Most men are able to swim in this lake.

b. They are willing to swim across the lake.
c. They are determined to swim across the lake in ten hours.

In addition, modulation, either positive or negative, refers to

the exchanges of goods and services between the speaker and the
hearer in doing something.

1. Offering to do something: Shall I go home?

2. Requesting to do something: Would you open the door?
3. Suggesting that they both do something: Let’s go home.
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The above kinds rarely have third person subjects, except as prayers or
oaths. May God bless you. By God, I never commit adultery.

6.2.4 Modality in Relation to Reality

Downing and Locke (1992: 383) note that modality is

understood as a semantic category which covers such notions as
possibility, probability, necessity, volition, obligation and permission.
Recently, the concept of modality has been extended to cover other
notions such as doubt, wish, regret and desire, and temporal notions
such as usuality. Further they add that in very general terms, modality
may be taken to express a relation with reality, whereas a non-modal
utterance treats the process as reality. They differentiate modality into
two main types: Epistemic Modality and Deontic Modality.

6.2.4.1 Epistemic Modality

Epistemic was derived from the Greek word epistēmē

‘knowledge’. Thus, epistemic modality is related to a speaker’s
knowledge on the proposition. The degree of certainty on the
knowledge of a proposition may fall under several grades: certain,
probable and possible. So, epistemic modality may be defined as the
use of modality which is based on the speaker's evaluation and
judgment in relation to the degree of confidence of the knowledge on
a proposition.

Epistemic modality functions to comment on and evaluate an

interpretation of reality in carrying out speech functions. So, it refers
to the way speakers communicate their doubts, certainties, and
guesses (their modes of knowing). More technically, epistemic
modality is defined as the linguistic expression of an evaluation of the
chances that a certain hypothetical state of affairs under consideration
or some aspect of it will occur, is occurring, or has occurred in a
possible world which serves as the universe of interpretation for the
evaluation process.

The meanings of epistemic modality are classified on the basis

of the degree of certainty; thus they are differentiated into: certainty,
probability, and possibility.
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1. Epistemic Certainty
Epistemic certainty conveys the highest degree of confidence
based on the speaker’s knowledge on the proposition. Epistemic
certainty may be expressed by various linguistic properties as given in
the following.

a. Modals
Epistemic certainty is commonly expressed with the modal
operators must and will.

a. The bread must be well-cooked. It has been grilled for

fifteen minutes.
b. His father will be disappointed as he has not completed
his study after five years.

b. Modal Adjunct
A number of modal adjuncts may carry the meaning of
epistemic certainty such as certainly, definitely, surely, etc.

a. The food is certainly well-cooked. It has been boiling for

twenty minutes.
b. His father is definitely disappointed as he has not
completed his study after five years.
c. The boy will surely be successful for his being diligent.

c. Lexical Verbs
Such lexical verbs as believe and guarantee may express
epistemic certainty.

a. I believe the Dean is in the office.

b. The company guarantees that the product will last more
than ten years.

d. Lexico-modal Auxiliaries
Epistemic certainty may also be expressed by the lexico-modal
auxiliaries be certain to, be bound to and be sure to.

a. The doomsday is certain to take place on Friday.

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b. The Director is sure to be the man of the year.

c. The oil in the engine is bound to be changed regularly.

e. Clause with Past Participle

Epistemic certainty can also be realized in a clause with the
past participle confirmed and followed by either an infinitive or a that-
clause.

a. Indonesia is confirmed to buy sophisticated warfare from

Russia.
b. It is confirmed that Susan will sit for the final exam
tomorrow.
c. It is confirmed that you can fly to the United States next
week.

f. Clause with Noun

Another possibility of the realization of epistemic certainty is
in the form of a clause beginning with an existential there followed by
the noun certainty and a that-clause.

a. There is certainty that this earth will perish one day.

b. There is certainty that every living being will die.
c. There are certainties that everything in this world is
not eternal.

g. Conditional Clause
Conditional clauses may express the meaning of epistemic
certainty. If a condition is fulfilled it is certain that another condition
will take place.

a. If green is mixed with yellow, it will become blue.

b. Water will freeze if it is under zero degree centigrade.
c. The balloon will fly if it is filled with gass.

h. Combination of Modal and Adjunct

Epistemic certainty can be expressed on the combination of a
modal operator and an adjunct.

a. According to the Prophetic tradition, the doomsday will

definitely happen on Friday.
b. Water must certainly freeze under zero degree centigrade.
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c. Everyone will certainly die although he is successful to

get rid of various kinds of desease.

2. Epistemic Probability
Epistemic probability conveys the median degree of
confidence which can be expressed by some realizations below.

a. Modal
The modal operators should and ought to may convey
epistemic probability.
a. At midnight he should have been sleeping soundly.
b. He is punctual and so the class ought to have started.

b. Modal Adjunct
The modal adjuncts which express epistemic probability are
probably, perhaps, and maybe.
a. Probably, he comes to her house today.
b. Maybe, the examination will be held next week.

c. Lexical Verbs
The lexical verbs guess, think, and suppose may express
epistemic probability.
a. He thinks he would pass in the subject.
b. We suppose that all the students’ works are fair.

d. Clause with Adjective

Epistemic probability can be realized in a clause with such
adjectives as likely, probable, etc.

a. It is raining and so many students are likely to arrive late.

b. Palestine is probable to get its independence soon.

e. Clause with Noun

Epistemic probability may also be expressed by such nouns as
likelihood, and probability.

a. There is likelihood that they arrive late as it is raining.

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b. There is a probability that Palestine gets its independence

soon.

f. Conditional Clause
Conditional clauses may express the meaning of epistemic
probability. If a condition is fulfilled it is probable that another
condition will take place.

a. If it does not rain, the class will be going on.

b. Unless you put enough spices, this food will not be that
delicious.

g. Combination of Modal and Adjunct

Epistemic probability can be expressed on the combination of
a modal operator and an adjunct.

a. It will probably rain tonight.

b. Perhaps, he would give you some money.

3. Epistemic Possibility
Epistemic possibility conveys the lowest degree of confidence
based on the speaker’s knowledge on the proposition. It can be
expressed by various linguistic properties as presented below.

a. Modal
Epistemic possibility is expressed in such overt modal
operators as can, could, may, and might.

a. It may rain this afternoon.

b. There can be a ghost in the old building.

c. Modal Adjunct
Modal adjuncts which may express epistemic possibility are
possibly, perhaps, and maybe.

a. Maybe, he comes to her house today.

b. Perhaps, the examination will be held next week.
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c. Possibly, the earthquake happens again today.

d. Lexical Verbs
Some lexical verbs may also express epistemic possibility such
as guess, wonder, think, suppose, etc.
a. The Principal wondered whether Jack could pass the exam
b. We supposed that most students would drop out as they
had failed in the mid test.

e. Clause with Adjective

Epistemic possibility can also be realized in a clause with the
adjective possible and followed by either an infinitive or a that-clause.
a. Palestine is possible to get its independence next year.
b. It is possible that Palestine gets its independence soon.

f. Clause with Past Participle

Epistemic possibility can also be realized in a clause with the
past participle allowed and followed by an infinitive.
a. The boy is allowed to get in as he is still under age.
b. All members are allowed to join the party.

g. Clause with Noun

Another possibility of the realization of epistemic possibility is
in the form of a clause beginning with the existential there followed
by the noun possibility and a that-clause.
a. There is a possibility that a thunder strikes this tall tree.
b. There is a great possibility that you will pass the exam.

h. Conditional Clause
Conditional clauses may express the meaning of epistemic
possibility. If a condition is fulfilled it is possible that another
condition will take place.
a. If it does not rain today, a rain may fall tomorrow.
b. If the door was not locked, a thief might enter the house.

i. Combination of Modal and Adjunct

Epistemic possibility can be expressed on the combination of a
modal operator and an adjunct.
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a. An unknown creature might possibly exist in the building.

b. The teacher may possibly come late today.

6.2.4.2 Deontic Modality

The term deontic was derived from the Greek word deont-,
deon meaning ‘which is obligatory’; but, this word is adopted as a
term which refers to a type of modality which covers obligation and
permission. Deontic modality indicates whether the proposition
expressed by a command is obligatory, advisable or permissible
according to some normative background such as law, morality,
convention, etc. Deontic modality is concerned with the meaning of a
proposal in the positive and negative poles in prescribing and
proscribing.

Like epistemic modality, the meanings of deontic modality are

classified on the basis of the degree of obligation; thus they are
differentiated into: necessity, advisability and possibility (permission).

1. Deontic Necessity
Deontic necessity conveys the highest degree of obligation of a
command and it can be expressed in various linguistic properties as
follows.

a. Modals
Deontic necessity may be expressed with the modal operators
must and have to.

a. You must submit your assignment next week by the latest.

b. You have to be available in the class before the lecturer
comes.

b. Clause with Adjective

Deontic necessity can also be realized in a clause with the
adjectives compulsory, obligatory, necessary and urgent followed by
either an infinitive or a that-clause.
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a. It is compulsory for you to send your grandma to hospital

soon.
b. It is urgent that you send your grandma to hospital soon.
c. It is necessary that every student know how to operate
computer.

d. Clause with Past Participle

Deontic necessity can also be realized in a clause with the past
participles required and obliged followed by either an infinitive or a
that-clause.
a. You are required to send your grandma to hospital soon.
b. It is required that you send your grandma to hospital.
c. You are obliged to abide by the law in this country.

e. Clause with Noun

Another possibility of the realization of deontic necessity is in
the form of a clause beginning with the impersonal it followed by the
noun obligation or necessity and a that-clause.
a. It is an obligation that you pray five times a day.
b. It is a necessity that you buy a new house.

2. Deontic Advisability
Deontic advisability conveys the median degree of obligation
of a command and the linguistic properties which may express such
meanings are given below.

a. Modal
The modal operators which convey deontic advisability are
should and ought to.
a. In monsoon you should always carry an umbrella.
b. You ought to examine your vehicle before you go far.

b. Clause with Adjective

Deontic advisability can also be realized in a clause with the
adjective advisable followed by either an infinitive or a that-clause.
a. It is advisable for you to prepare yourselves in the exam.
b. It is advisable that you prepare yourselves in the exam.

c. Clause with Past Participle

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Deontic advisability can also be realized in a clause with the

past participles supposed, advised, and suggested followed by either
an infinitive or a that-clause.
a. You are supposed to prepare yourselves before the exam.
b. It is suggested that you prepare yourselves in the exam.
3. Deontic Possibility

Deontic possibility conveys the lowest degree of obligation of

a command so that it implies the sense of permission. It may also be
expressed in several linguistic properties as follows.

a. Modal
The modal operators which may convey deontic permission
are may and can.

a. All the examinees may bring their text books in the exam
room.
b. Any question that you want to ask can be found in the
website.
c. This table may not be moved from its present position.

b. Clause with Adjective

Deontic possibility can also be realized in a clause with the
adjective possible.

a. It is possible for the audience to attend a lecture without

books.
b. It is possible that the visitors of the zoo pass the entrence
without ticket.
c. The audiences are possible to leave the hall during the
concert.

c. Clause with Past Participle

Deontic possibility can also be realized in a clause with the
past participles allowed and permitted.

a. The examinees are allowed to open a dictionary during the

examination.
b. The participants are permitted to leave the room after you
sign the attendant list.
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c. Everyone is allowed to borrow more than one books at a

time from the library

6.3 Value of Modality

Halliday (1994: 358) and Eggins (2004: 173) propose that

modality is classified according to the value or degree that is set on
the modal judgment into three levels: high, median, and low, as
illustrated in the following table.

Value Probability Usuality Obligation Inclination

High Certain Always Required determined
Median Probable Usually Supposed Keen
Low Possible sometimes Allowed Willing

Based on the figure above, the degree of value of modality can

be ranged into three:

a. High: The action closest to yes poles (positive

polarity) and most possible to happen.
b. Median: The action occurs between high and low
level or in the median of the polarity.
c. Low: The action is closest to no poles (negative
polarity) and most possible not to happen.

Halliday (1994: 357) presents a diagram of the value

system and types of modality as adopted below:
MODALIZATION MODULATION
“Indicative type” Positive “Imperative type”

Probability It is Usuality Obligation Do! Inclination

Certainly It must be Always HIG Must do Determined

Required

Probably It will be Usually Supposed Will do Keen

MED

Possibly It may Smtimes Allowed May do Willing

LOW

Negative
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