In Modal verbs^x, Tenses^x, Grammar^x

Alex, Here's the mistake. because "had to" is a modal as well It's sometimes called a 'semi-modal', because it is like the modal must in meaning. Nevertheless, its grammar is exactly the same as for any non-modal verb, like want, like, or prefer . would have wanted to have seen...

What's the past of "could" Aarrgghh! could is a past form already! There are two series of forms to consider with modals. The interactions and combinations are the subject of entire books. So, in a way, a modal like may has "two pasts": might and may have . To make things even more...

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...

CalifJim wrote: The sentence is complicated by the fact that you can make the past of can by using could , but you have to make the past of must by using must have . And must have been is not a past perfect tense, by the way. It's one of the modal perfect tenses, most of which have special uses....

Rabbia wrote: hello i want to know the rules of conditional sentences plz tell me neeed helpp is usally written only heelp! Unfortunately this area is too wide for anyone here to spend so much time writing it. Even if we do, you would be able to learn from it as much as from any...

Hi Inchoateknowledge, A finite clause is a clause that has either present/past tense or a modal verb. What he did has a past tense which means it is a finite clause. An object complement, or object predicative, is a clause element that occurs after the direct object and characterises the...

have been is normally used in unreal or imaginary situations in the past The tense isn't that important with the modal verbs, the degree of doubt is more important in their choice. Thus I don't think you can replace the have been versions here without removing a large part of the...

I understand now. Thanks. But I still think it is kindda weird since the word " might " is a past tense modal verb here..the grammar book always tells us we have to use future tense such as will . Unless might is not considered past tense here. Please advise. If I get paid, I will buy you...

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...

If we use passive voice, we don't have to change it in reported speech. Am I right? JTT: That's right. Sounds your books are telling merely that some native speakers don't do always the tense backshift in direct-to-indirect speech conversion. But I don't take it as that those books are...