The acquisition of modals by Iraqi EFL University students

الملخص EN

This research investigates the problem of EFL learners’ use of modals in written tasks, and checking whether or not Iraqi EFL university students make use of modals and what difficulties they face in its production.

In addition the research investigates the distribution and functions of modals used in the subjects' writing.

The findings showed that the preferred modals used by the subjects are can, will and could used in expressing ability and certainty.

Modals of probability/possibility showed lower frequencies of use in their writing.