Structure: Expressing Willingness/Unwillingness Using Modal Verbs + Adverbials - JSS3 English language Lesson Note

Structure: Expressing Willingness/Unwillingness Using Modal Verbs + Adverbials

 

Modal Verbs and Adverbials:

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Common modal verbs include: **will, would, can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, and ought to**. When expressing willingness or unwillingness, modal verbs can be paired with adverbials to convey a clearer intention or state of mind.

 

Expressing Willingness:

1. Using "will" and "would":

   Will: Expresses a definite willingness or intention to do something.

     - Example: "I will help you with your homework."

  Would: Often used to express a more polite or tentative willingness.

    - Example: "I would be happy to assist you."

 

2. Using Adverbials with "will" and "would":

  Gladly, happily, willingly, eagerly, readily:

     - Example: "She will gladly take on the project."

    - Example: "He would willingly lend you his book."

 

Expressing Unwillingness:

 

1. Using "will not" (won't) and "would not" (wouldn't):

Will not (won't): Expresses a definite refusal or unwillingness to do something.

Example: "I won't attend the meeting."

Would not (wouldn't): Often used to express a more polite or tentative unwillingness.

Example: "I wouldn't agree to those terms."

 

2. Using Adverbials with "will not" and "would not":

Reluctantly, hesitantly, unwillingly, grudgingly, half-heartedly:

Example: "She won't reluctantly take on the extra work."

Example: "He wouldn't unwillingly participate in the event."

 

Examples in Sentences:

1. Willingness:

   - "I will gladly volunteer for the charity event."

   - "She would happily accompany you to the concert."

   - "They will eagerly accept the offer."

  - "He would willingly share his notes with you."

 

2. Unwillingness:

   - "I won't hesitantly agree to the proposal."

   - "She wouldn't reluctantly stay late at work."

   - "They will not grudgingly follow the new rules."

  - "He wouldn't unwillingly join the committee."

 

Key Points to Remember:

Modal verbs help express levels of willingness or unwillingness.

Adverbials modify these modal verbs to give more detail about the speaker's attitude or intention.

Use "will" and "would" for expressing willingness.

Use "will not" (won't) and "would not" (wouldn't)  for expressing unwillingness.

Pairing these modal verbs with appropriate adverbials helps to convey the exact sentiment or degree of willingness/unwillingness.