Paper long abstract:

Modality and negation are universal categories. Negation in the Georgian language is a three-member system that involves neutral negation (particle ar - not), the negation of possibility (particle ver - can not) and the negation expressed by prohibition or request (particle nu - do not).

The article deals with the negation of possibility in the Georgian language. The analysis covers the aspects of negation and modality and points out the key feature related to the expression of negation and modality with the same form. Fields of application of the particle ver is wide. It is used with the forms of both indicative and subjunctive mood. The article provides the analysis of negation of possibility expressed by the particle ver, its collocations and semantics.

The expression of modality differs in the old and modern Georgian language: after grammaticalization a new modal system has been formed though the particle ver is the oldest form of expression of negation and dynamic modality in the Georgian language. The particle has retained this function in the language. The particle ver forms negative pronouns and adverbs that also have the modal semantics of negation of possibility. The scope of use of particle ver is determined/limited. It is not used with the verbs of perception, existential and static verbs. ver particle always precedes a verb. The Georgian language is characterized by the expression of double plural. Plural expressed by ver particle is intensified with the complicated forms by use of particles "ġa" (expresses limited negation) and "c" (expresses complementary function). Double negation in Georgian comprises both noun and verbal negation. As for the semantics of negation of possibility, it is extended with the complicated forms of negative pronouns and adverbs derived from ver particle. Analysis of the contexts with ver particle has revealed phrases with double modality. In double modality the scope of the first modal element is wider than the scope of the next modal element.

Key words: Modality, modal form, modal meaning, negation, negative particle.