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Home > Reference > Glossary > E > Epistemic Modality

Term: Epistemic Modality


Definition:

When a modal verb is used to express the speaker's opinion about a statement, then this is epistemic modality:

It might be true.

Here, the speaker is expressing their attitude about whether it is true or not, accepting that there is a possibility, but not being certain.

'Epistemic Modality' - Related Links

Grammar Topic:  Modals

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