Here's a breakdown:
* Adjunct: An adjunct is a grammatical unit that provides additional information about the main clause, but is not essential for its grammatical completeness. It modifies the verb phrase or the whole clause.
* Modality: Modality encompasses the speaker's stance towards the proposition being expressed. It's not about the truth value of the proposition itself, but rather about the speaker's perspective on it.
* Modal Adjunct: A modal adjunct specifically conveys the speaker's attitude towards the proposition. It modifies the verb phrase by expressing the degree of certainty, obligation, possibility, or desirability associated with the proposition.
Examples of Modal Adjuncts:
* Certainty: *definitely*, *certainly*, *undoubtedly*
* Obligation: *necessarily*, *obliged to*
* Possibility: *possibly*, *maybe*, *perhaps*
* Desirability: *hopefully*, *ideally*, *preferably*
How Modal Adjuncts Function in FG:
* They are optional elements within a clause.
* They are typically adverbial in function, modifying the verb phrase or the whole clause.
* They are often expressed by adverbs, but can also be expressed by prepositional phrases, verb phrases, or even whole clauses.
Examples:
* "She *definitely* finished the project." (Certainty)
* "We are *obliged to* follow the rules." (Obligation)
* "They *might* come tomorrow." (Possibility)
* "I *hope* they get there safely." (Desirability)
In conclusion, modal adjuncts are an essential part of Functional Grammar, helping to express the speaker's attitude towards the proposition being conveyed. They add a layer of meaning beyond the basic truth value of the statement, enriching the communication and providing a deeper understanding of the speaker's perspective.