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Apr 27, 2023 · What are modal verbs? Modal verbs show possibility, intent, ability, or necessity. Common examples of modal verbs include can, should, and must. Because they’re a type of auxiliary verb (helper verb), they’re used alongside the infinitive form of the main verb of a sentence.
We can divide most modal words and expressions into two types of meaning: The speaker or writer decides how certain something is, either in the present, future or past. They predict or speculate about a fact.
MeaningWhich Verb?Examplereally certainwillMy birthday will be on a Monday this year.really certainwon’tI won’t have a party.really certainshallI shall have plenty to tell you when I ...really certainshan’tI shan’t ask you to come again.Glossary of grammatical terms. This glossary provides explanations of the meanings of grammatical terms as they are used in the OED, with examples from the dictionary. absolute (absol.) The term absolute refers to the use of a word or phrase on its own when it would usually be accompanied by another word or phrase. Examples in the OED:
- Must
- Mustn't
- Must vs. Have to
- Mustn't vs. Don't Have to
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1. To express obligation or duty This also refers to laws and regulations. 1. I mustmemorize all of these rules about modal verbs. 2. People mustremain seated until the show is over. 3. You mustwear a seatbelt at all times. 2. To emphasize the necessity of something 1. Humans musthave drinking water at least every two days. 2. You mustgive up smoki...
The negative is Mustn't which refers to prohibition (negative obligation) Mustn't = Must not 1. You mustn'tuse your smartphone while you are driving. 2. You mustn'tget on the subway if you haven't paid for the ride. 3. You must notopen the gift until it is your birthday. 4. We must nottell anyone.
Must can be replaced by Have towith little difference in meaning: 1. You have to study. (= you muststudy) 2. He has to finish the report by Friday. (= He mustfinish the report by Friday) 3. They have to resit the test. (= They mustresit the test) Have to is a more informal while Mustis mostly used in written orders or instructions. Also, Must expre...
Be careful with the negative of Must and Have to where they DO have a different meaning. Mustn't is a negative obligation (= it is important that you do NOT do something) while Don't have tois an absence of obligation. Mustn't = it is prohibited; it is not allowed Don't have to= no obligation; you are not required to do something, especially if you...
See our notes about other Modal Verbs. If you found these English Grammar Rules about MUSTinteresting or useful, let others know about it.
- Richard Nordquist
- Abstract Noun. A noun (such as courage or freedom) that names an idea, event, quality, or concept. Contrast with a concrete noun.
- Active Voice. The verb form or voice in which the subject of the sentence performs or causes the action expressed by the verb. Contrast with passive voice.
- Adjective. The part of speech (or word class) that modifies a noun or a pronoun. Adjective forms: positive, comparative, superlative. Adjective: adjectival.
- Adverb. The part of speech (or word class) that is primarily used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Adverbs can also modify prepositional phrases, subordinate clauses, and complete sentences.
Dec 12, 2019 · In English grammar, a modal is a verb that combines with another verb to indicate mood or tense. A modal, also known as a modal auxiliary or modal verb, expresses necessity, uncertainty, possibility, or permission.
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Oct 25, 2024 · Today, grammar exists as a field within linguistics but still retains a relationship with these other disciplines. For many people, grammar still refers to the body of rules one must know in order to speak or write “correctly.”
