The effective field theory approach to strong coupling problem in $f(T)$ and $f(T,B)$ gravity

We investigate the scalar perturbations and the possible strong coupling issues of $f(T)$ and $f(T,B)$ gravity around a cosmological background, applying the effective field theory (EFT) approach in a systematic way. We revisit the generalized EFT framework of modified teleparallel gravity, and we apply it by considering both linear and second-order perturbations for both theories. In the case of $f(T)$ gravity we find that no new scalar mode is present in both linear and second order perturbations, which suggests a strong coupling problem. However, based on the ratio of cubic to quadratic Lagrangians, we provide a simple estimation of the strong coupling scale, a result which shows that the strong coupling problem can be avoided at least for some modes. Additionally, in the case of $f(T,B)$ gravity we find that in general the extra scalar mode vanishes at quadratic order, but it becomes dynamical at higher orders, which implies that a strong coupling issue may appear, however estimating the strong coupling scale could provide a way to avoid it. Furthermore, we show that there are special subclasses of $f(T,B)$ gravity, including $f(R)$ case, which possess an extra propagating mode at linear perturbation level and thus are immediately free from strong coupling. In conclusion, perturbation behaviors that at first appear problematic may not inevitably lead to a strong coupling problem, as long as the relevant scale is comparable with the cutoff scale $M$ of the applicability of the theory.