Comments on: Use Modal Verbs With Care

By: Ntapo ND- SA

Ntapo ND- SA — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:26:33 +0000

I prefer using should and could in my writing because these modals, I think, still provide the reader with a sense of freedom of choice. E.g. Perhaps you should consider jumping ship or crossing the floor. Had I used “must” it could have appeared as an instruction.

By: Evelyn Lim

Evelyn Lim — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 02:10:58 +0000

I refrain from using words like “you should” or “you must” in the articles I write on self improvement. I prefer to replace them “you may consider” or “it may be a good idea to”. Readers should be allowed the option of free choice in their decisions.

By: richard

richard — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:46:57 +0000

Dear Sir

I should write more but I always put it off. This use of the model form must be acceptable when mildly rebuking myself. I’m not offending anyone but myself.
OOPS
It is acceptable when mildlly………

Always enjoy your articles! you MUST write more. OOPS….or here I want to encourage you

By: PreciseEdit

PreciseEdit — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 21:42:55 +0000

Ideas are stronger when expressed as facts and not as opinions.

Using the examples above:

“Writers should avoid modal verbs in their writing.” (This is preaching, and it is offensive.)

“Writers achieve greater clarity and offend fewer readers by avoiding modal verbs in their writing.” (This is stated as a fact, and it is more compelling to readers, i.e., more likely to produce the desired response by your readers.)

“Could”: This is hedging, but “could” may be appropriate in some cases. Choose a tone that is appropriate for your relationship with the reader and the support you have for your argument. If you are in a position to instruct or advise your reader, and if you have a good reason for your idea, you will find that using the strategies above will be superior to “could.”

By: Norina

Norina — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:33:30 +0000

I usually replace the word SHOULD with COULD, because for me, SHOULD indicates that one is doing something wrong, and I don’t feel that I am in a position to tell anyone what I feel they’ve said or done is wrong (in minor cases at least). Could is merely a suggestion. Is that preaching? Sometimes it is necessary to use certain words to get a point across.