Lesson 32 different meanings of “must”
Choose the correct answers:
What do the underlined verbs mean, obligation or speculation?
- In some cultures, a bride must wear something red. (obligation or speculation?)
- In these cultures, the red color must mean good fortune. (obligation or speculation?)
- In some other cultures, the wedding celebration must include everyone in town. (obligation or speculation?)
- Such a long celebration must be tiring for the bride’s and the groom’s families (obligation or speculation?)
Explain:
The structure “must + base verb” can be used in two situations. Both refers to present or future situations.
- obligation/responsibility/necessity.
- speculation/possibility/guessing, with a high degree of certainty, but not 100% sure. It is also a way to soften the tone of a personal belief.
The context is the only way to determine which meaning the word “must” refers to.
- In Sentence #1, it is the responsibility/obligation of the bride to wear something red. It is necessary for her to do so.
- In Sentence #3, it is the responsibility/obligation of the bride’s and the groom’s families to invite everyone in town to the celebration. It is necessary for them to do so.
- In Sentence #2, it is highly possible that the red color means good luck.
- In Sentence #4, it is highly possible that the families are very tired.
Review:
What do the underlined verbs mean?
a. obligation/responsibility/necessity
b. speculation/possibility/guessing
- The new couple must kneel down to serve hot tea to their parents.
- That must be a tradition from some East Asian countries.
- The bride’s parents must prepare dowry for their daughter’s marriage.
- The preparation of the dowry must add joy or burden to most families.
Answers:
obligation; speculation; obligation; speculation
a; b; a; b
