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Musicgold Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Use of Must - speculation vs order
Hi,
I get confused when I have to use sentences using ‘must'. For example, in sentence 1, I am not sure if the speaker is speculating who the supervisor of that section is or ordering that John should supervise that section.
The same thing with #2. Is the speaker speculating if the listener is a regular visitor of that place or he is ordering the listener to visit that place regularly.
Is there a way to avoid such ambiguity?
1. John must supervise this section of the plant.
2. You must visit here regularly.
Thanks,
MG.
I get confused when I have to use sentences using ‘must'. For example, in sentence 1, I am not sure if the speaker is speculating who the supervisor of that section is or ordering that John should supervise that section.
The same thing with #2. Is the speaker speculating if the listener is a regular visitor of that place or he is ordering the listener to visit that place regularly.
Is there a way to avoid such ambiguity?
1. John must supervise this section of the plant.
2. You must visit here regularly.
Thanks,
MG.
Top answer
If there is any ambiguity, the only way to tell is from the context.
- If there is any ambiguity, the only way to tell is from the context.
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3 Answers
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If there is any ambiguity, the only way to tell is from the context.
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MusicgoldIs there a way to avoid such ambiguity?You can avoid some of the ambiguity by substituting "have to" or "be required" for the "must" that gives an order. For the "must" that makes a logical conclusion, you can substitute "It must be the case that" or "The only conclusion is that", although these are cumbersome.
1a. John has to su
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