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Fandorin Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Could + perfect Infinitive for present situation

Hi teachers. I'd like to clean the sky about this type. Swan (123.5) tells me that:

"could + have+past participle can refer to present situations which were possible but have not been realised"

He could have been Prime Minister now if he had not decided to leave politics.

So, it looks like Mixed Conditional.

He could be Prime Minister (now, like Second type), if he hadn't decided to leave politics (like Third type, unreal past). Are my statements correct?

Could have past participle is generally used to refer to unreal, unhappened situations in the past, but we are talking now. Is it the same as given above?

He could have been Prime Minister. (but he were not, and he isn't).

Thank for your help so much! Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

I'd like to clean the sky clear the air about ... I think that's what you mean, although even if you correct the idiom, the use of it here is still inappropriate. "clear the air" is what you usually do after a heated argument or disagreement.

— CalifJim

  • I'd like to clean the sky clear the air about ...
  • I think that's what you mean, although even if you correct the idiom, the use of it here is still inappropriate.
  • "clear the air" is what you usually do after a heated argument or disagreement.
  • ____ could can substitute for would without changing the numbering system of the conditionals.
  • If ...
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9 Answers
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I'd like to clean the sky clear the air about ... I think that's what you mean, although even if you correct the idiom, the use of it here is still inappropriate. "clear the air" is what you usually do after a heated argument or disagreement.
____

could can substitute for would without changing the numbering syste
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CalifJimHere's a famous example of the could have been structure:
Wow! Great example, CJ.

It's a perfect pronunciation example for could've been ("coulda been") too.
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could have been

- the most regret-filled words in the English language.

Emotion: crying
CJ
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Hi, CalifJim and Amy. Glad to see you. Emotion: smile
CalifJim'd like to clean the sky
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FandorinBy the way, what is the title of the film?
That quote is from the movie "On the Waterfront".
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047296/quotes
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FandorinIf I didn't work here (now, in present I do work here), I would not have bought a new house (I've already bought it). Is it OK?
Fine.
FandorinIf I hadn't done that (past), I was a bunkrupt I would be bankrupt (now, but fortunately I am not.)
As corre
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Thank you, Amy. The next film to see. Emotion: smile
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Thank you, Jim. Useful example and the great film, I guess. Emotion: smile
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The great film ever. And the moment CalifJim posted is one of the beloved. Thank you for getting me at the masterpiece.
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