What's new on IELTS with Fiona

What is the difference in meaning between these two language items?

1. There is (a source of energy under the ground).

2. There must be (a source of energy under the ground).

(Find the answer below the image)

1. is a fact (a certainty)

2. is a guess (an assumption)

The cartoon is making fun of people who ignore the facts that are in front of their eyes (The sun IS a source of energy) and make life more difficult by looking for something elsewhere that may not be as good as what is in front of them.

You can also use modal verbs like 'must' 'might' 'may' and 'could', 'can't' (NOT 'can') before 'be' in any expressions with 'There':

For example:

• There must be a source of energy down there. (You feel sure)
• There might/may/could be a source of energy down there. (You're not very sure)
• There can't be a source of energy down there. (You feel sure that there is NO energy)