Register-based distribution of expressions of modality in COCA

This research investigates the distribution of expressions of modality at both word and clause ranks across different registers in the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA). It examines modal verbal operators, modal adjuncts, modal nominalizations, and 'explicit subjective'/'explicit objective' orientations (interpersonal metaphors of modality). The study finds that registers utilize expressions of modality with low and/or median values to allow for varying voices. More formal registers prefer modal nominalizations over verbal operators and adjuncts at the word rank, and 'explicit objective' orientations over 'explicit subjective' orientations at the clause rank, thus enhancing objectivity.

Jiangping Zhou, Yanhua Xia