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Markverbos Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Help in analysing form and meaning of some sentences

I posted this anonymously first but then decided to register after reading and agreeing with peoples views on it.

Hi, this might be very easy for some, but I'm brand new to this and I'm finding it difficult to get my head around.

I need to analyse the form and meaning of the underlined parts of the sentences. Here's two examples.

a. Would you like an ice cream?
would


Used to make an offer

b. Are you going on holiday next week?
'present continuous' (question form be+ subject+present participle)


Used to talk about future plans / arrangements



These are the sentences and my attempts at some of them. I really don't know if I'm on the right track or not. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

  1. The burglar must have got in through the bathroom window
Modal in reference to the past? (must + have + past participle + preposition)

  1. It’s time you had a haircut

    Past subjunctive (subject + be + compliment + subject + past subjunctive)
    Used to make a strong suggestion or to persuade.


  1. Shall we invite Danny to our party?
Modal (shall + subject + base form of the verb)
Used to talk about future plans or arrangements.

  1. Mind how you go!
Imperative
Used as a caution or warning.

  1. You will all have heard of William Shakespeare

  1. If I had known the truth I wouldn’t have gone there
Third conditional (conjunction + past perfect), (subject + modal aux? + have + past participle)
Used to express regret or annoyance about a past event.

  1. They should be home by now
Modal (subject + should + base form 'be' + object + time reference present)
Used to express an expectation.

  1. He had a cocktail, which was very unusual.

  1. my plane leaves at 6.30

  1. I am having my car serviced next week
thanks!

Mark
  

Top answer

Here are just some ideas of mine that you might find useful. 1) The structure "must + have + past participle" is used to make deductions about something that has happened. We are certain about how it all happened (based on our opinion, evidence etc).

  • Here are just some ideas of mine that you might find useful.
  • 1) The structure "must + have + past participle" is used to make deductions about something that has happened.
  • We are certain about how it all happened (based on our opinion, evidence etc).
  • 3) Shall is more likely to be used in the first person (I, we) whereas "will" is often expected in the second and third persons (you, he/she, they).
  • Also, "shall" is more likely to express the intent of the speaker and not just talk about mere futurity as is often the case with "will".
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1 Answers
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Here are just some ideas of mine that you might find useful.

1) The structure "must + have + past participle" is used to make deductions about something that has happened. We are certain about how it all happened (based on our opinion, evidence etc).

3) Shall is more likely to be used in the first person (I, we) whereas "will" is often expected in the second and third persons

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