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particular

, the city of Baracoa

.

I don’t think 

I need it 

specifically.

But it is 

above all

a family matter

and in taking my decision, I’ve given priority

to family considerations.

MODAL

332

Modal adjuncts judge events in terms of the speaker’s view of the probability of

things being or happening in a particular way. They indicate how things appear to

the speaker, and the speaker’s view of the necessity of things. In this respect, they

parallel the meanings of the modal verbs (

Û

379

).

Modal adjuncts frequently occupy mid position, especially when they consist of

adverb phrases:

He 

definitely

needs

six more months.

That 

couldn’t 

possibly

happen

.

It isn’t something that 

we 

necessarily

have

to spend all our time doing. 

He 

obviously

didn’t

recognise you.

They may also be found in front position:

Apparently he had a terrible childhood.

Obviously I’m going to need a lot of training to start with.

Probably ‘The Sun’ is the most popular newspaper.

Modal adjuncts may also occur in end position, especially in informal speech:

Without you, they wouldn’t have a job, 

necessarily.

You know which one I mean, 

probably.

[tennis player speaking] 

I don’t normally get uptight but in key situations with people I’m supposed to

beat, 

possibly.