Linguistic Modalities in Editorials on National Dailies

AUTHOR(S)

Eduardo C. Mira

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to look into the modals and phrasal modal counterparts employed in selected editorials of national dailies on the last quarter of 2015 (October to December) and on the first quarter of 2016 (January to March). The English modals and phrasal modals contained in editorial articles and their sorts when studied in form, meaning, and use were used in this study to conduct qualitative-quantitative research through contextual analysis and interpretation. This study analyzed fifty-seven (57) editorials from the three national dailies, namely, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, and Manila Bulletin. The study results showed that among the six (6) kinds of editorials, the editorial of argumentation registered the highest number of modals. Editorials with information and interpretation followed this. Further, the modal will was the most frequently used among the nine common modals, followed by can, would, and must.
Furthermore, compared to the historical past form, it was found out that historical non-past modals and phrasal modals had the highest number of occurrences. On the other hand, the national dailies used factual or predictive auxiliary modals like a will, can, should, would, and other types of modals. In editorial writing, it was also discovered that modals were preferred over phrasal modals. As a result, editorial writers can choose modals and phrasal modals in journalistic writing style with care and intention to suit the readers’ needs.