The development of can/could from pre-modals to modals: a corpus-based study for the period from 1350 to 1570

This paper reviews and builds upon previous studies on when can/could became modals. Using only a few examples from period literature and Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the majority claim that most pre-modals became modals before 16th century while the same occurred much later for can/could. This paper re-examines this subject using the Helsinki Corpus from the second half of Middle English to the first century of Early Modern English. Quantitative analyses produced some remarkable results which could correct overgeneralization committed by previous studies. Additionally this paper epitomizes the pre-modal uses of can/could in Middle English and provides examples from the Helsinki Corpus.Supported by the Grant for the Reform of University Education under the BK21 Project of SNU