must not

In the English Grammar Profile, the negative form of ‘must’ in the category of MODALITY appears at two levels.

Point 21 is A2 and just general form.

Point 149 is B2 and is defined:

USE: RULES

negative forms of ‘must’ to talk about what is not permitted.

*It is not clear what type of usage the A2 level uses.  If we look at the 2 EGP examples:

You mustn’t forget to buy …
You must not wear a … (rule!)

We can surmise A2 can use basic subjects and verbs with the structure only.  Therefore, B2 should refer to a range of subjects or verbs. For example:

Mr. Iannazzo placed an order at the Robeks and stressed to the staff that the product must not contain peanuts.

context

However, this overlaps B2 Negation with emphasis.


A search in iWeb for:

must _x _vvi
1 MUST NOT EXCEED 5621 (C1)
2 MUST NOT USE 3904
3 MUST NOT FORGET 3055 
4 MUST NOT CONTAIN 2274 B1

collocate search in COCA

1 ANY 12
2 SUBMISSION 7
3 CHARACTERS 7
4 MATERIAL 7
5 THAN 7

5 MUST NOT ALLOW 1747 (c1)

There’s a very strong feeling in the party, mustn’t allow ourselves to be bullied.

listen


6 MUST NOT LET 1395 (B2 phrasal verb object)

  Jakarta Post
France must not drop guard against COVID-19, minister says – The Jakarta Post
“We must not let down our guard,” Health Minister Olivier Veran told LCI television. “We do not want to resort to another lockdown, we are …

7 MUST NOT TAKE 1320
8 MUST NOT MAKE 1173


9 MUST NOT INCLUDE 1035

  The Independent
Safety experts warn that US trade deal must not include dangerous American cars. Trade Secretary urged to exclude US cars. Jon Stone Policy …

10 MUST NOT GO 950
11 MUST NOT LOSE 846
12 MUST NOT GIVE 804
13 MUST NOT THINK 719
14 MUST NOT BECOME 685
15 MUST NOT GET 606
16 MUST NOT LEAVE 602


17 MUSTN’T FORGET 570

  Burnley Express
Jane Clare of One Foot in the Grapes reaches the letter “I” in her wine alphabet
We mustn’t forget the impact Italy has had on the sparkling wine world with prosecco (but please let’s also give a huge nod to Lambrusco, …

18 MUST NOT CHANGE 551
19 MUST NOT INTERFERE 531 (B2)

Here’s an example of a sarcastic rule.

Millions of young men are going to die and it mustn’t interfere with the cream of broccoli.

listen

20 MUST NOT ATTEMPT 487


Here’s a TED example:

As we find pathways forward for these individuals,

 we must not separate familieswe must preserve them.

 

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