In Modals^x, Negatives^x

Hi again,I think you guys are right. maybe now I understand. I just read some stuff on the net about negative questions, plus one of Jim's posts, and this "idea" I had seems the right one: Kooyeen wrote:Idea! Maybe that only works with modals and with requests, not permissions? So couldn't you,...

Aaaargh! Is it really so different in English? I'm going to go crazy if I have to be careful of this difference too. I've never paid attention to this.GG wrote: >>You are assuming that what you want will be given to you, not politely requesting it.So do negative questions always sound like...

CalifJim wrote:Loojka, The original poster was asking about the modals as used in logical deduction, not the modals as used in social interactions such as obligation and freedom from obligation. For this reason, I didn't want to confuse the issue by bringing in information about the...

Hi, Is the following reasoning of mine correct? 1. It need not be dealt with. In this case, the word 'need' is the modal 'need' in the negative; thus, it need not be inflected. 2. It needs to be dealt with. In this case, the 'needs' is not in the the modal 'need' form; thus, it needs to be...

CalifJim wrote:need is a normal verb in the affirmative, a normal or modal verb in the negative.(Don't forget to change the affirmative-negative polarity in the tag.)You need money, don't you? CJ So that means I can write: I needn't do that, need I? right?

need is a normal verb in the affirmative, a normal or modal verb in the negative. (Don't forget to change the affirmative-negative polarity in the tag.) You need money, don't you? CJ

If I understand your questions correctly, then 'yes' to all of them. You can apply the same rules to quoted or parenthesized content. Quoted contents are free to assume many grammatical roles. Your two examples in italics are correct, except need is a modal verb in the negative, so it...

Note the definition: Operators are the modals (can, could, will, would, etc.) and forms of be -- and also forms of do or have used as auxiliaries. The negative adverb not can only be carried by an operator, i.e., can only be used when accompanied by an operator. To negate a sentence...

What's the past of "could"Aarrgghh! could is a past form already! There are two series of forms to consider with modals. The interactions and combinations are the subject of entire books. So, in a way, a modal like may has "two pasts": might and may have. To make things even more...

Argh! The adverb question again! Have you gone through this one yet? Post:258302 Here's a new take on the subject. If it doesn't appeal to you, toss it in the trash! Safe and typical practice: Use contracted forms wherever possible. Then place the adverb of frequency after the...