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Zuotengdazuo Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

"could/might have pp" can refer to present and future?

Hi, dear teachers. Recently I have found "could have pp" and "might have pp" can both refer to present and future, as opposed to past.
And I already know both "could have pp" and "might have" have two usages when they refer to past:
1) counterfactual situations: used to talk about something that was possible but didn't happen
2) supposition (we make a guess about something that happened in the past) or the so called "uncertainty".

So I am wondering if the two patterns still have these two usages when they refer to present and future. For reference to future, I have some examples here:
1. ...the original cost of the dam was estimated at $25 billion, but by the time it is completed this could have risen to $75 billion or more.
(I think this is the supposition use-- the author is saying he supposes the cost will rise to $75 billion or more when the dam is completed)

2. You could have given a recital at the Moscow Conservatory next week if you'd practised your violin properly twenty years ago. (I think this is counterfactual use-- the speaker believes since "you" didn't practice the violin properly, the speaker doesn't think "you" will give a recital next week)


3. By the end of this year I might/may have saved some money. (I think this is the supposition use)
4. (I don't have an example for "might have pp" to express counterfactual situation in the future. Could you give me one?)

For reference to present, I also have some examples:
5. (I don't have an example for "could have pp" to express supposition of present situation. Could you give me one?)
6. He could have been Prime Minister now if he hadn't decided to leave politics. (counterfactual)
7. I'll try phoning him, but he might/may have gone out by now. (supposition)
8. (I don't have an example for "might have pp" to express counterfactual situation in the present. Could you give me one?)

Question 1: Could you please check my thinking?
Question 2: Could you give me relevant examples as I have mentioned in brackets, if these uses are possible?

Thank you.

  

Top answer

zuotengdazuo 1. the original cost of the dam was estimated at $25 billion, but by the time it is completed this could have risen to $75 billion or more. (I think this is the supposition use-- the author is saying he supposes the cost will rise to $75 billion or more when the dam is completed) 2.

  • zuotengdazuo 1.
  • the original cost of the dam was estimated at $25 billion, but by the time it is completed this could have risen to $75 billion or more.
  • (I think this is the supposition use-- the author is saying he supposes the cost will rise to $75 billion or more when the dam is completed) 2.
  • You could have given a recital at the Moscow Conservatory next week if you'd practised your violin properly twenty years ago.
  • (I think this is counterfactual use-- the speaker believes since "you" didn't practice the violin properly, the speaker doesn't think "you" will give a recital next week) 3.
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1 Answers
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zuotengdazuo

1. ...the original cost of the dam was estimated at $25 billion, but by the time it is completed this could have risen to $75 billion or more.
(I think this is the supposition use-- the author is saying he supposes the cost will rise to $75 billion or more when the dam is completed)

2. You could have given a rec

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