Some observations on (factual) could + perfect infinitive

Ilse Depraetere (1)

1 STL - Savoirs, Textes, Langage (STL) - UMR 8163

This paper gives an overview of the meanings of have in sentences with could + perfect infinitive. Three functions are identified : (a) that of establishing counterfactual meaning, (b) that of expressing a temporal relation of anteriority between the modal situation and the residue, (c) that of communicating ‘factual’ meaning. In the last case, have does not express anteriority but rather establishes a relationship of simultaneity between the modal situation and the residue and highlights the actualization of the residue situation.

Mots clés: could; perfect infinitive; modal verbs

Domaines: Linguistique

Ilse Depraetere. Some observations on (factual) could + perfect infinitive. Modality in contemporary English 3, May 2007, Thessaloniki, Greece. pp.285-306. ⟨halshs-00720891⟩