1. GRAMMAR

Definition - GRAMMAR

In Unit 3, we defined grammar as rule that teaches how to speak and write correctly according to the convention of a given language. Grammar is indeed the study of set of pattern in which words are arranged in order to be meaningful. It is the study of set rules to follow in construction of sentences and making utterances that are meaningful. It is a branch of the study of language which could be distinguished from the study of Phoneme (Sounds) and Semantics (Meaning).

MOOD

This is category of grammar which shows the nature/state/kind of sentence one makes. This can well be understood if we look at the type of Simple Sentences we learnt earlier in Unit 3:

1.     Statement – which states universal fact/truth (Objective/Declarative)  (God is merciful)

2.     Command - this gives order (Imperative) (shot up! Sit down! Get out!)

3.     Question – this could be WH- questions or other types of question sentences – Who, Where, Which, When, How, Is this.

4.     Exclamation – this expresses feeling of: hurt, anger, joy, fear (subjunctive)

 

MODALITY

This is application of Modal verb which is a class of ‘helping (auxiliary) verb’. They include:

Have to, Can(Could), Will(Would), Shall(Should), May(Might), Ought to, Must, Used to. Modal verbs go before the root verbs whih they are ‘helping, example: may go, would have gone, ought to been going. Modal verbs are never followed by the Simple Past Tense form. To use a modal verb in the past, you have to use the main verb in the Present Perfect. Example: He might have gone (using the Past Participle) but not He might went.

Modal verbs are used in expressing: Ability (I can) Possibility (It might rain) Impossibility (It can’t happen) Courtesy/Politeness (Could you lend me your biro?) Certainty (I shall be there unfailingly)