Objective modality can be divided into two sub-areas: (i) “Epistemic objective modality”, in which the speaker evaluates the actuality of the SoA [state of affairs] in terms of his knowledge of SoAs in general; (ii) “Deontic objective modality”, in which the actuality of the SoA is evaluated in terms of a system of moral, legal, or social norms. These sub-areas yield the following two scales of potential distinctions: (70) ‘Epistemic objective modalities’ Certain-Probable-Possible-Improbable-Impossible (71) ‘Deontic objective modalities’ Obligatory-Acceptable-Permissible-Unacceptable-Forbidden […].
- Dik (1989), a pag.205