2. It could have been a pirate refuge
The modal verbs can, could, may and might, can be used before the present perfect tense. They indicate that some past action did or did not happen, or it possibly did or did not happen. They are very commonly used to talk about the past. Depending on the verb chosen the possibility of the action been achieved is bigger or smaller.
Paco is on the junk listening to the guide telling about pirate stories. He is astonished with the sight and he thinks 'it could have been a pirates refuge...'
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Listening activity
Watch and listen to the following video in which the use of the perfect modal verbs is explained. Pay attention to the degree of possibility:
Can you write the correct form for these constructions? What modals are used in the video?
Self-Assessment activityListen to the video again and choose the correct form.
The construction with the perfect modal verbs is: MODAL+BEEN+PAST PARTICIPLE.
Verdadero Falso
In the sentence 'I could have become a businessman ...', did he do it finally?" (If you think so click on true, if not, click on false).
Verdadero Falso
In the sentence 'I should have gotten batteries for my camera...' there is certain degree of obligation.
Verdadero Falso
The use of may+have+participle also expresses obligation.
Verdadero Falso
Curiosity
Ha Long Bay islands are carved with a lot of caves which have given them beautiful inner forms along the years. Click here and read more about the islands and its wonderful caves.
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