By Modals, Difference between

Thanks, Jim. Is "am to" (be to) not used in the US then? For me, there is a difference between "am to" and "am going to" there. "Am to" has the feeling of obligation, but "am going to", does not. There, "am going to" is prediction based on present evidence. You say that you and most Californians...

It is if you want to discuss the difference between the following: I must give up smoking. I have to give up smoking. How so? Are you saying that they can't be different if the first is not regarded as epistemic? If so, I don't see how that follows. Anyway, under the topic of must,...

CalifJim wrote:To me, it's epistemic and is stating evidentiality.Not to me.But let's move on. I don't think it's crucial to the discussion you and Mr. P. are having.CJ It is if you want to discuss the difference between the following: I must give up smoking. I have to give up smoking.

Milky wrote: Then again: Have to in They have to be in Rome for a meeting tomorrow is also an example of this subject-oriented modality, which is called dynamic modality. Dynamic modality plays an important part in considerations of have to, and its contrast with must. Epistemically, there...

MrPedantic wrote: Yes they are similar, but... When you want to say that it is required something to be done regularly you use have to He has to do his homework after school every day. Cf. however 1. You must take three of these pills every day after lunch. Yes but in this case it is the...

<I have to say (or I must say!), I am astonished at this conversation. I do not, for one moment, stop to consider whether there are external or internal factors involved before I say "I must do X" or "I have to do X." And I certainly do not do this kind of analysis if someone says it to...

Then again: Have to in They have to be in Rome for a meeting tomorrow is also an example of this subject-oriented modality, which is called dynamic modality. Dynamic modality plays an important part in considerations of have to, and its contrast with must. Epistemically, there seems to be...

Schetin wrote: There sure is difference between the two. As a rule the context shows if it is of importance. Say, if you don't want to do something but have little choice, you say: 'I have to do it.' How do you interpret that as being different from "I must do it." ?

There sure is difference between the two. As a rule the context shows if it is of importance. Say, if you don't want to do something but have little choice, you say: 'I have to do it.' More options: If you are eager to do something but see or foresee some obstacles, you say: 'I have got...

Magda, they are very similar when you want to say: You must see this move - You have to see this movie. He must be home by 10 p.m. - H has to be home by 10 p.m. I must leave now - I have to go now. "Have to" is very similar to "required to" and is very similar to "must." There is little...