In Modal verbs^x, Tenses^x, Constructions^x

Let's spread out the issue a little bit: ____ O ____ Type 2. Basic forms . a. If we caught the 10 o'clock train, we would (could, might, etc.) get there by lunch-time. b. If I came into a fortune, I would give up smoking. c. If I knew how it worked, I could...

When we talk about a subjunctive construction, I think it is easier to understand it without the 'inserted clause, I would think' becasue that way one can clearly see the cause-and-effect relationship beteween the conditional clause and the main clasue. 1. If someone tells you that you...

Rule: Modal verbs (and "must" is one of them) cannot be followed by a past tense form. To express past tense after a modal add "have" and the past participle. This is not truly a "present perfect" but a "modal perfect". In the case of the modal perfect construction the difference between simple...

Rule: Modal verbs (and "must" is one of them) cannot be followed by a past tense form. To express past tense after a modal add "have" and the past participle. This is not truly a "present perfect" but a "modal perfect". In the case of the modal perfect construction the difference between simple...

JTT wrote: Every modal verb in English can operate in past, present and future situations. Modals carry modal meaning into sentences, they do not carry tense. CalifJim responded: I think this needs a little more explanation. Can you give examples of modals, which do not carry tense,...

Every modal verb in English can operate in past, present and future situations. Modals carry modal meaning into sentences, they do not carry tense. JT, I think this needs a little more explanation. Can you give examples of modals, which do not carry tense, operating in past, present, and...