The modalizing construction [V1aux + PREP + V2inf]: a socio-interactional analysis of the subschemes [ter de + infinitive] and [haver de + infinitive]

Abstract

This article focuses on the modalizing construction [V1_AUX + PREP + V2_INF], which licenses patterns such as tenho de reconfigurar, hei de ver, está para nascer, ficou de mandar, whose meanings point to notions of obligation, necessity, commitment, and volition. The general objective of the article is to examine the role of socio-interactional processes underlying the instances of use of the aforementioned construction. Our theoretical framework is based on Usage-Based Functional Linguistics, as proposed by Furtado da Cunha and Bispo (2023), Bispo and Lopes (2022), Rosário and Oliveira (2016), particularly at the interface of this theoretical approach with the Construction Grammar model (TRAUGOTT; TROUSDALE, 2013). Methodologically, the study adopts a qualitative approach, of a descriptive-explanatory nature. The database consists of occurrences extracted from the online Corpus do Português, specifically from the Web/Dialects section. The results indicate the existence of an intersubjective gradation for each linguistic use of the same subschematic pattern depending on the sociocommunicative context. Thus, some uses align more with an intersubjectively "unmarked" dimension, while others reinforce a more intersubjective bias, considering their possible perlocutionary effects, such as convincing, inspiring, revolting, or committing the presumed or known interlocutor. Furthermore, we highlight the materialization of indirect speech acts in some instances of the construction under focus, more precisely in the subschemes estar para + infinitive and haver de + infinitive, combined with other pragmatic mechanisms for regulating interaction, such as face preservation, communicative politeness, and the maintenance of fictional interaction, among others.