Modality in Language
Article first published online: 13 OCT 2008
DOI: 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2008.00177.x
© 2008 The Author. Journal Compilation © 2008 Blackwell Publishing Ltd
Additional Information
How to Cite
Swanson, E. (2008), Modality in Language. Philosophy Compass, 3: 1193–1207. doi: 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2008.00177.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 20 NOV 2008
- Article first published online: 13 OCT 2008
- Philosophy Compass 3/6 (2008): 1193–1207, 10.1111/j.1747-9991.2008.00177.x
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Abstract
This article discusses some of the ways in which natural language can express modal information – information which is, to a first approximation, about what could be or must be the case, as opposed to being about what actually is the case. It motivates, explains, and raises problems for Angelika Kratzer's influential theory of modal auxiliaries, and introduces a new approach to one important debate about the relationships between modality, evidentiality, context change, and imperative force.