Exploring grammatical differences between Irish and British English

This paper focuses on verb syntax and especially the use of modal auxiliaries with the progressive form (MODAL + be V-ing) in standard and nonstandard spoken varieties of Irish and British English. Modal auxiliaries are known to be undergoing major changes in present-day Englishes, while increasing use of the progressive has been observed for both nonstandard and standard varieties globally. The results show higher rates of use of MODAL + V-ing in Irish English than in British English. Particularly noticeable is the more frequent use of WILL + V-ing in both standard and nonstandard Irish English than in British English. These findings suggest a certain degree of distinctiveness for Irish English vis-à-vis British English in this domain of grammar. Keywords: Irish English; British English; modal auxiliaries; progressive