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Seagull Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
The difference between 'may' and 'must'
#1 He may be a good father, but he is a terrible husband.
#2 He must be a good father, but he is a terrible husband.
I know that #1 is correct and #2 is wrong. But, I can't explain why very well. How would you explain the reason to a nonnative speaker? I hope the explanation will focus on the meaning of the two modal verbs.
#2 He must be a good father, but he is a terrible husband.
I know that #1 is correct and #2 is wrong. But, I can't explain why very well. How would you explain the reason to a nonnative speaker? I hope the explanation will focus on the meaning of the two modal verbs.
Top answer
#2 is not necessarily wrong. In #1, the speaker is saying that it is possible that 'he' is a good father, or conceding that he is. In #2 the speaker has some evidence to suggest that it is logically certain that 'He' is a good father.
- #2 is not necessarily wrong.
- In #1, the speaker is saying that it is possible that 'he' is a good father, or conceding that he is.
- In #2 the speaker has some evidence to suggest that it is logically certain that 'He' is a good father.
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5 Answers
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#2 is not necessarily wrong. In #1, the speaker is saying that it is possible that 'he' is a good father, or conceding that he is. In #2 the speaker has some evidence to suggest that it is logically certain that 'He' is a good father.
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Thank you very much, Fivejedjon. I learned a lot from your answer.
Actually, we were taught in school that the "S may..., but..." construction is the same as "Indeed [It is true] that S is ..., but...," in that they are all the concessive usage.
Now I think that "Indeed [It is true] S is ..., but..." is rather similar to "S must be ..., but..." Is that right? What is your opinion?
Actually, we were taught in school that the "S may..., but..." construction is the same as "Indeed [It is true] that S is ..., but...," in that they are all the concessive usage.
Now I think that "Indeed [It is true] S is ..., but..." is rather similar to "S must be ..., but..." Is that right? What is your opinion?
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seagullNow I think that "Indeed [It is true] S is ..., but..." is rather similar to "S must be ..., but..." Is that right? What is your opinion?I depends on what you mean by similar. With Indeed it is true that S is ..., there is 100% certainty in the speaker' mind.
With S may be ... but .... there is concession of the certainty which,
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Thank you so much indeed, Fivejedjon.
Now I understand the core of the problem thanks to you.
Now I understand the core of the problem thanks to you.
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I also would like to say 'thanks' to you dear Fivejedjon. I, too, learned very useful things from your posts. .... 
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