Lexico - Semantic Analysis of Modal Verbs in Editorial Articles
Authors
Jeniva Bendet
Bukidnon State University, Philippines.
Publication Details
Journal: Vijoriya International Journal for Research & Innovation
ISSN: 3107-9806
Volume: 2 Issue: 1
Year: January – June 2026
Published on: 7 April, 2026
Pages: 1–10
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65595/vijri.v2i1.001
Abstract
This study investigated the lexico-semantic use of modal verbs in selected editorial articles to understand how these linguistic elements contribute to argumentation and the expression of writer stance. Guided by Halliday’s (1961) Systemic Functional Linguistics, particularly the interpersonal metafunction, a qualitative textual analysis was conducted on four editorials published in March 2025 by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times, The Washington Post, and the Brookings Institution. Editorials were selected because they reflect the institutional voice of each publication, offering authoritative perspectives on the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against former President Rodrigo Duterte. The analysis identified 27 modal verbs and expressions, which were classified based on their lexical meaning and semantic function. Results indicated that modals such as will, should, and can, were prominently used to signal prediction, moral guidance, and capacity, whereas might, could, and would, were deployed to convey cautious speculation and hypothetical scenarios. Less frequent modals, including shall, need to, and has to, emphasized formal obligation or commitment. Overall, the findings showed that modal verbs functioned as key linguistic resources in editorial discourse, shaping argumentation, stance, and meaning-making in texts.
Keywords: Modal verbs, lexico-semantics, editorial article, stance, argumentation, systemic functional
linguistics.