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English 1b3 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Modal Tense

There should have been more applicants than there were/are.

Is the underlined VP the present perfect or a modal tense expressing a past time?

Can we use either 'were' or 'are'?

Thanks
  

Top answer

With modals, the present perfect form serves the past function. You can use either 'were' or 'are' unless the application event is set distinctly in the past.

— Mister Micawber

  • With modals, the present perfect form serves the past function.
  • You can use either 'were' or 'are' unless the application event is set distinctly in the past.
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1 Answers
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With modals, the present perfect form serves the past function.
You can use either 'were' or 'are' unless the application event is set distinctly in the past.
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