Thread: Can have + past participle, Please HELP HELP HELP Guys
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Old 18-Nov-2006, 20:19
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Default Re: Can have + past participle, Please HELP HELP HELP Guys
Quote:
Originally Posted by Preslang View Post
Does this construction exist in English ? , and what it means: can + have + past participle
Most assuredly it exists, Preslang. Maybe you question it because you've been taught that modal verbs are tensed so you're wondering how 'can' can operate in a past time situation.

Well, the truth is that modal verbs are tenseless. All modal verbs operate in all time situations.

Here are some examples from Google:

Results 1 - 10 of about 57 English pages for "can have eaten".

Results 1 - 10 of about 88 English pages for "can't have eaten"

Results 1 - 10 of about 283,000 English pages for "can have been".

Results 1 - 10 of about 268,000 English pages for "can't have been".

Results 1 - 10 of about 10,600 English pages for "can have seen".

Results 1 - 10 of about 920 English pages for "can't have seen".

Try some more if you'd like. Try some 'will' + have + PP, or some 'may + have + PP or 'shall' + have + PP too.

You'll need to do a "with the exact phrase" search under Google's "Advance Search" link. Use English only for the language of course. If you need anymore help, feel free to ask.
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