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Thread: a few difficulties by the usage of some modal verbs

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    vil
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    Default a few difficulties by the usage of some modal verbs

    Dear teachers,

    Would you be kind enough to explain to me the subtle difference between the meanings of the following sentences?

    1.1.He must have closed the window.
    1.2.He should have closed the window.

    2.1. He had to do it.
    2.2 He should have done it.

    3.1. You needn’t have repeated it.
    3.2. He didn’t have to repeat it.

    Thank you for your efforts.

    Regards,

    V

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    bhaisahab's Avatar
    bhaisahab is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: a few difficulties by the usage of some modal verbs

    Quote Originally Posted by vil View Post
    Dear teachers,

    Would you be kind enough to explain to me the subtle difference between the meanings of the following sentences?

    1.1.He must have closed the window. The window is closed, there was no one else here but him, he must have closed it. For example.
    1.2.He should have closed the window. He didn't close the window, someone came in and burgled the house, he should have closed it.

    2.1. He had to do it. He had no choice, he was obliged to do it.
    2.2 He should have done it. He didn't do it, it would have been better if he had.

    3.1. You needn’t have repeated it. It wasn't necessary to repeat it.
    3.2. He didn’t have to repeat it. He wasn't obliged to repeat it.

    Thank you for your efforts.

    Regards,

    V
    Bhai.
    vil likes this.

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