When I write something about the past, what form of must should I use? For example, can I say,
She must finish that yesterday.
or should I say,
She might finish that yesterday.
? I feel that the word might is too weak.
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Sign up to join this communityWhen I write something about the past, what form of must should I use? For example, can I say,
She must finish that yesterday.
or should I say,
She might finish that yesterday.
? I feel that the word might is too weak.
Neither of those examples work because the way the word must is used implies something that will be done, not something that was done. There are, however, some alternatives.
She's not busy today. In order for her to have this free time, she must have finished her homework yesterday.
Or, without using the word must but something that means the same thing:
She had to finish her homework yesterday in order to enjoy her free time today.
Actually, if you're writing a fantasy or science fiction story, one where time travel is possible, then your sentences could actually make sense.
In such a scenario, "she must finish that yesterday" could be taken to mean "she must travel back in time to yesterday and finish it."
But outside of that possibility, you would need to rephrase it.