所谓定意义就是分析语境并确定应填情态动词的含义,如上文提到的高考题,就是通过定意义的方法来解题的。又如:例1:
I told Sally how to get here,but perhaps I____ for her.(NMET'94)
A.had to write it out
B.must have written it out
C.should have written it out
D.ought to write it out
析:选C。该题语境为:我仅仅口头上告诉莎丽如何来这儿,但也许我本应写张字条给她(这样她更有把握找到这儿)。根据语境可知,我本应写张字条给她,而实际上没写,所以应用should have done或ought to have done表示“本应做……而实际未做……”。
例2: -Shall I tell John about it?
-No,you____.I've told him already.
A.needn't B.wouldn't C.mustn't D.shouldn't
析:选A。根据语境可知,我已将此事告诉了约翰,所以你没有必要再告诉他了,因此应填needn't表“没必要”。mustn't表“不准,禁止,严禁”,所以C为错误答案。
附:情态动词常见含义表:
|
情态动词 |
含义 |
|
can |
能够(表能力);可以(表许可或征询许可);可能(表推测) |
|
may |
可以(表许可或征询许可);可能(表推测) |
|
must |
必须,应该(表责任);总是(表经常性、习惯性动作) |
|
will |
愿意(表意愿);(表许可或征询许可) |
|
shall |
需要(表征示意见);必要,命令,禁止(表强迫性动作);允许 |
|
used to |
过去常常 |
|
need |
必要,必需 |
|
dare |
敢 |
|
ought to、should |
应该 |