IF + WERE TO In formal situations, we can use if + were to when we talk about things that
might happen but which we think are unlikely:
If the Prime Minister were to resign, there would have to be a
general election within 30 days. In even more formal styles, we use were + subject-verb inversion + to-
infinitive:
[V] Were [S]we [to -INF] to give up the fight now, it would mean the
end of democracy in our country. If we gave up the fight now …
[V] Were [S] the economy [to -INF] to slow down too quickly,
there would be major problems. If the economy slowed down too quickly …
D. MODAL WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS
There are a number of other words and expressions in English, apart from the main modal verbs, which also express modal meanings.
Here are some examples:
Tabel 17 Modal Verbs modal form
example noun
There is a possibility of snow this evening. adjective
It’s clear that the Prime Minister is worried about
education.
adverb I’m certainly not fed up with it.
OTHER MODAL WORDS Apart from modal verbs, there are a lot of words which also express
modality. They are words which express degrees of certainty or obligation.
Modul Guru Pembelajar Bahasa Inggris Kelompok Kompetensi Profesional B
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EXPRESSING DEGREES OF CERTAINTY Adjectives: possible, probable, certain, sure, likely, unlikely, definite, clear,
obvious Adverbs: possibly, probably, certainly, surely, definitely, clearly, obviously
EXPRESSING DEGREES OF OBLIGATION Adjectives: necessary, compulsory, obligatory, essential
Adverbs: necessarily, perhaps, maybe [on the phone]
Is it possible to ring us back when my husband is home?
or Cancould you possibly ring us back when my husband is home?
I’m thinking of possibly buying a house now.
I might buy a house. [talking about a computer]
A: It’s a good machine.
B: Yeah. It certainly is. I agree completely.
Necessarily is often used with not. Erm I met Gary in Wales when I was at university there and we ideally
wanted to stay in Wales. Not necessarily in South Wales. not obligatory –
it can be South Wales or in another part of Wales
E. TAGS TAGS: USES
Tags are either questions, statements or imperatives added to a clause to invite a response from the listener:
A: You’re a musician, aren’t you?
B: Well, yes, but I’m just an amateur.
A: She can’t swim, can she?
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Modul Guru Pembelajar Bahasa Inggris Kelompok Kompetensi Profesional B
B: No. Apparently she never learnt as a child. Other examples:
Donna plays football, doesn’t she? He was your teacher, was he?
A: Pass me that CD, will you?
