Tagged Questions
4
votes
1answer
132 views
Why are 'preterite presents' called so?
While reading about 'defective verbs' on Wikipedia, I came across this term – preterite present verbs.
The most commonly recognized defective verbs in English are auxiliary verbs — the class of ...
2
votes
4answers
646 views
What is the meaning of “ought not”?
Consider this example:
A few strong branches over water reach for what they ought not reach.
Which of the meanings comes closest to “ought not” in this sentence?
Is it “doesn't have to”, “should ...
0
votes
3answers
912 views
Definition and meanings of “shall not”
I am looking for all the meanings of "shall not".
Is it closer to "must not" or "might not"?
In this example:
The circuit-breaker shall not trip.
does this mean must not happen or might not ...
