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 #2 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 12:25 pm You must not know about me |
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Hi Torsten
| Torsten wrote: |
You must not know about me.
Technically, it means "You are not allowed to know about me." |
I don't agree with that statement. ;)
| Torsten wrote: |
But it seems, it can also mean "You obviously don't know me."
Would you agree? |
Yes, the word must is used to indicate high probablility or a logical conclusion as well as necessity or obligation:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=52646&dict=CALD
Your second interpretation of must is also normal, standard usage.
Amy
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"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
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| #3 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 12:36 pm You must not know about me |
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Hi, Torsten!
As I see it may also mean
"Probably you don't know what happens with me", as in the sentence
"There is something strange about the way things are going here", or "There's something wrong about him".
That's just my humble opinion and it can be mistaken. |
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Moniker
I'm new here and I like it ;-)
Joined: 05 Nov 2006
Posts: 34
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| #4 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 21:07 pm You must not know about me |
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| Thorsten, I largely agree with you about the first meaning but I would change the wording of the interpretation to 'You (should not) (best not) know about me'. This means that it is best for you or me or both of us if you don't know about my situation. Your knowing about my situation could lead to trouble. |
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Canadian45
I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 08 Oct 2006
Posts: 184
Location: Canada
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| #5 (permalink) Mon Nov 13, 2006 0:41 am You must not know about me |
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Hi Torsten
| Yankee wrote: |
| Torsten wrote: |
You must not know about me.
Technically, it means "You are not allowed to know about me." |
I don't agree with that statement. ;) |
I sense a misunderstanding here. ;)
I wrote the sentence in the quote in reaction to your saying "technically, it means" since must has other meanings and usages (as you pointed out).
Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln |
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Yankee
I'm a Communicator ;-)
Joined: 16 Apr 2006
Posts: 8316
Location: USA
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| Small or little possibility? | Short form for the name 'Harrison' |
