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4.2. The interrogative sentence
The modal auxiliary which has the subjective meaning is usually not used in the interrogative sentence. For example, the possibility of "must" which has the subjective meaning is not used in it, because it asks the speaker's subjective thought to the hearer.

(1)
a. Must John come by nine o'clock?
b.*Must it be Mary?

(1a) is the obligation, but (1b) is unacceptable.

If it asks the hearer whether it is right or not, or asks the speaker itself, it can be used. See the following example.

(2)
Must it be Mary? It could be John.
(I think it is Mary. Do you think so?)

The subjective possibility of "may" and "might" is the same. The next (3a) is unacceptable. (3b) is used instead.

(3)
a. *May she be studying in the library?
b. Do you think she will be studying in the library?

(3a) means "Do you think I think she is studying in the library?", it is odd. (*27)


*27 This usage of "might" can be seen, but it is not many.










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