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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar

The usage of ''mustn't''

I need some help with a grammar structure about modals and I thought you might help me...

here is a multiple choice question about past modals.The question is ;

"The chessboard still has the pieces on it.Bill an Bob ___ their match yet."

a) could finish
b) could have finished
c) might not finish
d) must not have finished
e) should not be finishing

So the answer is supposed to be ( d ) in the answer key but we objected to it because we have never learnt such a thing before. As we know, the opposite form of must have done something is ''can't have gone...'' So , is there a usage like this?

Thanks in advance..
  

Top answer

Yes, this is a typical usage. Bill and Bob must not have finished. = From the evidence at hand, the only logical conclusion is that Bill and Bob have not finished.

— CalifJim

  • Yes, this is a typical usage.
  • Bill and Bob must not have finished.
  • = From the evidence at hand, the only logical conclusion is that Bill and Bob have not finished.
  • = It must be that they have not finished.
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1 Answers
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Yes, this is a typical usage.

Bill and Bob must not have finished. = From the evidence at hand, the only logical conclusion is that Bill and Bob have not finished. = It must be that they have not finished.

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