1. The criminal is to be hanged for his crimes.
2. The criminal is going to be hanged for his crimes.
3. The criminal can be hanged for his crimes.
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Does #1 mean #2 or #3?
It means 2, but not three. Number three is just a possibility, the other two are most definite.
Number 2
In order to determine the meaning of the sentence, we need to understand the differences between "is to be," "is going to be," and "can be."
1. "Is to be" indicates that something is expected or planned to happen. In this context, it suggests that the hanging of the criminal is scheduled or intended to happen.
2. "Is going to be" implies a future event that is likely or certain to happen. It indicates that the hanging of the criminal is in the near future and highly probable.
3. "Can be" suggests that the hanging of the criminal is possible but not guaranteed. It implies that there are options or choices involved in deciding whether or not to proceed with the hanging.
Based on these distinctions, sentence #1 implies that the hanging is planned or expected to happen, similar to sentence #2. Thus, sentence #1 can be understood to mean the same as sentence #2. Sentence #3, on the other hand, suggests that hanging is a possible option but not a definite outcome.