The Acquisition of Modals by Iraqi EFL University Students

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 whatdifficulties they face in its production. In addition the research investigates the distributionand functions of modals used in the subjects writing.The findings showed that the preferred modals used by the subjects are can, will andcould used in expressing ability and certainty. Modals of probability/possibility showed lowerfrequencies of use in their writing.