Ability modifiers

[doctorhook]

I'm a little confused about the following, and I'd appreciate if someone would illuminate things for me:

Does "ability modifier" sometimes actually mean "ability modifier + 1/2 level"? If so, which situations use which number?​

I appreciate the help.

 

[NMcCoy]

Ability modifier always means just your ability modifier. However, you implicitly add half your level to attack rolls, ability checks, and skill checks.

 

[Surgoshan]

Whenever something says "ability modifier", it just means the ability mod. You only add half your level to the modifier when you make an ability check. The character sheet's inclusion of a square right next to the modifier for you to add half your level to the modifier just confuses things, I think.