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Ever found yourself saying, "That must be the right answer!" or "He must not have seen me"? You're using the modal verb 'must' to express a strong belief about something being possible (or impossible!).
While 'must' might seem simple, it can be tricky to master. This guide will break down how to use 'must' and 'must not' confidently in your everyday English conversations.
Present Possibility: Making Educated Guesses
When you're pretty darn sure about something in the present, 'must' is your go-to word. Remember, you're making a guess based on evidence, not stating a fact.
Here's how it works:
- Must be + noun phrase: "She must be a doctor." (You see her with a stethoscope.)
- Must be + adjective: "You must be tired." (They look exhausted.)
- Must be + -ing verb: "They must be celebrating." (You hear cheering and laughter.)
Turning Down the Likelihood: Using 'Must Not'
Now, let's say you think something is highly unlikely or even impossible. That's where 'must not' comes in:
- Must not be + noun phrase: "This must not be the right address." (The house numbers don't match.)
- Must not be + adjective: "He must not be hungry." (He just ate a huge meal.)
- Must not be + -ing verb: "She must not be coming." (She hasn't replied to your messages.)
Traveling Back in Time: Past Possibility
What about when you want to express possibility about something that happened in the past? Just add 'have' after 'must'!
- Must have been + noun phrase: "That must have been an amazing concert!" (You see pictures on social media.)
- Must have been + adjective: "You must have been so scared." (They're describing a frightening experience.)
- Must have been + -ing verb: "He must have been sleeping." (He didn't answer his phone.)
Expressing Past Impossibility
To say something was very unlikely in the past, use 'must not have' plus the past participle of the verb:
- Must not have + past participle: "They must not have received the invitation." (They didn't show up to the party.)
Quick Tip: Talking About Yourself
It can sound strange to use 'must' when talking about yourself in the present. After all, you usually know what you're doing or feeling! However, it's perfectly fine to use 'must have' to make guesses about your own past actions.
Mastering 'Must': Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to get comfortable with 'must' is to start using it! Try incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations. You'll be surprised how often you can use this versatile modal verb to express your thoughts and ideas more effectively.
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