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Message board > A multiple choice question...
A multiple choice question...
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azuree
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Actually, this exercise is from a source I really trust. So, I hadn �t thought that it could be wrong. But after I read the comments, I wanted to be sure and checked the rules.
It says in the same source that, mustn �t is used only for prohibition.
While expressing degrees of certainty there are various ways;
for positive statements,
Why is peter at home today?
-He is ill. (100% sure)
-He must be ill.( 95% sure)
-He may/might/could be ill.(50% sure)
for negative statements,
-He isn �t in his room. (100% sure)
-He can �t/ couldn �t be in his room. (99%sure)
-He must not be in his room. ( 95% sure)
-He may not/might not be in his room. (50% sure)
The book also adds that while expressing certainty must not is used only in American English.
In British English can �t/couldn �t is used instead of must not.
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4 Nov 2010
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Zsuzsapszi
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Thank you for looking it up.
I teach British English, that �s why I told you that. In this case it can be right to use it.
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4 Nov 2010
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yanogator
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I didn �t know about this difference between British and US English. Yes, we would choose C for this one, and it is definitely correct by US rules.
Bruce
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4 Nov 2010
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douglas
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C is right in American English
If we use "can �t" is prohibitive, by saying "must not be", we are emphasizing that it �s a deduction.
I can �t guarantee this is what it says in the grammar books, but it is definitely common use. |
4 Nov 2010
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azuree
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Thanks a lot for your comments
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5 Nov 2010
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