Analyzing modal adverbs as modal particles and discourse markers

Abstract

Modal particles have been discussed primarily in languages such as German or the Scandinavian languages. English is not usually said to have modal particles. In this chapter it is argued on the basis of the translations of of course into Swedish that it has uses as a modal adverb, discourse marker and modal particle although the distinction between the categories is fuzzy. Of course as a discourse marker is adversative or concessive. Of course as a modal particle has striking similarities with the modal particle ju in Swedish. It is used to signal consensus, for argumentative functions and to introduce background information.