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Zuotengdazuo Posted 8 years ago
Grammar

In what condition the perfect modal construction (modal +have) is mandatory?

I noticed that in the subordinate clause, we can always use modal +have to replace plain modal construction where the latter is used, but not vice versa.

So I'm wondering in what condition the perfect modal construction (modal +have) is mandatory after "would (never) have thought/had (never) thought/(never) thought"?

Example,

“Ser Willem Darry is fled to Dragonstone, with your queen and Prince Viserys. I thought you might have sailed with him.” (not OK to say "you might sail"?)

Thank you.

  

Top answer

For example, zuotengdazuo I thought you might sail next year with him . zuotengdazuo I thought you might have sailed last year with him . Note the difference.

— Teechr

  • For example, zuotengdazuo I thought you might sail next year with him .
  • zuotengdazuo I thought you might have sailed last year with him .
  • Note the difference.
  • One is about the future, and the other is about the past.
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1 Answers
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For example,

zuotengdazuoI thought you might sail next year with him.
zuotengdazuoI thought you might have sailed last year with him.

Note the difference. One is about the future, and the other is about the past.

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