Basic semantic meanings of modal auxiliaries.

Tara B · Post by **Tara B** » Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:16 pm

Shuntang--

Forget about the future for a minute. What is your definition of the word "tense"?

Tara

coffeedecafe · Post by **coffeedecafe** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 8:16 am

stressfull?

JuanTwoThree · Post by **JuanTwoThree** » Tue Aug 02, 2005 11:51 am

temporary canvas structures?

JuanTwoThree · Post by **JuanTwoThree** » Thu Aug 04, 2005 8:03 am

I'd like to revive this thread and ask:

So which are the well-behaved modals? Not will, can, could to judge by the previous posts. Should is too slippery and sneaks into things like "If that should happen".

Are the others any better?

coffeedecafe · Post by **coffeedecafe** » Tue Aug 09, 2005 6:31 am

it is possible shuntang is trying to force the language he is learning into the rules of the language or philosophy he first was taught.
in the process he has been able to practice the improvement of vocabulary and enjoy the interest of debate.
at some future time, his skills may become even more adept.
to live in the moment or present tense is an admirable ability. yet to live in the present it is neccessary to move with it.
to deny that past and future exist is to deny that the sun comes up and my ping pong return has gradually become better.
some words which seem unambigous to me are; then, now, soon, later?