Directive Modality
Definition:
Directive modality is a deontic modality that connotes the speaker’s degree of requirement of conformity to the proposition expressed by an utterance.
Discussion:
If the usage of the term directive modality is extended beyond discussion of solely grammaticalized means of expression, it becomes nearly synonymous with directive illocutionary point.
Kinds:
Examples:
(English)
The imperative mood in Stop!
The modal auxiliary verbs may or can in You may/can go at four o’clock
Source:
This page is an extract from the LinguaLinks Library. Version 5.0 published on CD-ROM by SIL International, 2003.