ENGLISH GRAMMAR

Logical Conclusion- Events in the Present:

Remember that “must” is a modal. “Must” followed by “be” and an “ing” form or an adjective expresses a logical conclusion based on evidence. The conclusion is about an event that is happening now. Avoid using a verb word instead of an –“ing” form after “must be”.

   Examples:

        1. Incorrect: The line is busy; someone should be using the telephone now.

     Correct: The line is busy; someone must be using the telephone now.

        2. Incorrect: My friend should be calling now.

     Correct: My friend must be calling now.

        3. Incorrect: He is absent; he must have been sick again.

     Correct: He is absent; he must be sick again.

       4. Incorrect: He is walking; he must have felt better now.

    Correct: He is walking; he must be feeling better now.

        5. Incorrect: She must be study at the library now because all of her books are gone.

      Correct: She must be studying at the library now because all of her books are gone.

        6. Incorrect: Sahara must get a divorce now because her husband is living with another  

                                 woman in an apartment.

     Correct: Sahara must be getting a divorce now because her husband is living with 

                        another woman in an apartment.

         7. Incorrect: The general public must buy a large number of computers now, because prices 

                               are beginning to decrease.

      Correct: The general public must be buying a large number of computers now, because 

                          prices are beginning to decrease.