When we speak of modality, many people assume we are just referring to modal verbs. However, modal meanings can be expressed through a wide range of grammatical forms, intonation, and even features of body language such as shrugs and facial expressions. In most cases, speakers use a combination of these devices.

Here are the most common grammatical forms used by speakers to indicate degrees of probability and the extent to which they choose to show their support for the proposition, or to distance themselves from the proposition.