The Use of Modal Adverbs of Certainty in Linguistic Academic Discourse: Case Study of Empirical Research Articles in Language Learning and TESOL Quarterly

Abstract

Attitude and disciplinary culture are 2 frequently discussed topics among the studies on academic discourse. To explore the use of modal adverbs of certainty in linguistic academic discourse from the macro structure perspective, 9 kinds of modal adverbs of certainty which occur 56 times in 10 linguistic empirical research articles (Ras) with ILMRDC structure published in 2 high—Quality journals (Language Learning and TESOL Quarterly) are analyzed. The research results show that these modal adverbs of certainty are mainly located in Literature Review and Discussion Part. As for the communicative functions, modal adverbs of certainty are generally used to express certainty towards propositions. Specifically, in Literature Review Part, they can also be used to show authors’ appreciation of other scholars; in Discussion Part, they are also used to hedge the certainty in both authors’ and previous studies’ proposition. This research hopes to help its readers better understand modal adverbs of certainty in academic reading and accurately use modal adverbs of certainty in academic writing.