Using must as a conclusion – Lesson

In this section, we explore the modal verb “must” and its specific application in forming conclusions. The ability to infer or deduce information is a vital skill in both written and spoken English. By the end of this lesson, students will understand how to use “must” to indicate necessity and strong probability, which is particularly useful in academic writing and daily conversation. This module includes a detailed lesson, a list of frequently asked questions for clarification, and a quiz to test understanding and application of this concept.

Look at the two sentences. How are they different?

A: It is very hot.
B: It is too hot.

A is a simple statement- It’s HOT!

But B shows some difficulty, like maybe because it is so hot, I feel terrible. Or because it is so hot, no one is happy.

Here are some more…

C: Lisa is very tall.
D: Lisa is too tall.

C is a simple statement. Wow! Lisa is a tall girl.

But D has a negative feeling. Perhaps because Lisa is tall, she hits her head on the ceiling. Or maybe she is so tall, she can’t get a date or has no friends.

So remember, using too shows that there is a problem with the situation.

Now that you’ve learned about using “must” as a conclusion, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. Below is a quiz consisting of five questions. Each question provides a scenario, and you must choose the correct use of “must” to form a logical conclusion. This quiz will help solidify your understanding of how to use “must” effectively in your English communication.

Check Your Understanding

Choose very or too. Check your answers by clicking on the arrow below.

1. I think James is nice. Karen thinks James is nice, too.

James is ___ nice.

very
too

2. It’s cold outside. I hate it. I might become sick if I go out.

It’s ___ cold outside.

very
too

3. That box is so big. I can’t pick it up.

That box is ___ big.

very
too

4. Tony’s cat is fat. It weighs 8 kg.

Tony’s cat is ___ fat.

very
too

5. Tony’s cat is fat. It can’t run. It may not live a long time.

Tony’s cat is ___ fat.

very
too

Answer Key:

1. very

2. too

3. too

4. very

5. too

Frequently Asked Questions About “Using Must as a Conclusion”

What does it mean to use “must” as a conclusion?

Using “must” as a conclusion involves deducing something as highly probable or almost certain. For instance, if you see dark clouds gathering, you might conclude, “It must be going to rain.”

Can “must” be used for past deductions?

Yes, “must” can be used for past deductions by combining it with have + past participle. For example, “She must have known about the surprise party” implies it is highly likely she was aware of the event.

Is there a difference between “must” and “have to”?

Yes, there is a subtle difference. “Must” often suggests a conclusion drawn by the speaker, while “have to” refers to external obligations or requirements. For example, “I must go now” suggests a personal decision, whereas “I have to go now” indicates a necessity imposed by external factors.

How can I teach my students to use “must” effectively in conclusions?

Encourage students to look for clues in the context that point to a logical deduction. Practice sentences where they have to infer conclusions based on given evidence, and reinforce the usage of “must” to express these strong probabilities.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using “must” as a conclusion?

A common mistake is using “must” where probability is not strong. “Must” should be used when the conclusion is almost certain based on the available evidence. Using “must” in less certain contexts can lead to confusion about the strength of the conclusion.