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Thread: past continuous modals

  1. #1
    atabitaraf is offline Senior Member
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    Default past continuous modals

    1. You should do s.th, (modals in simple present tense)
    2. You should have done s.th, (modals in simple past tense)
    3. You should be doing s.th, (modals in present continuous tense)
    4. You should have been doing s.th, (modals in past continuous tense)
    I doubt about the rule and the use of the above sentences. Did I write them on correct formats? And are they useful in your speaking too?
    Thanks,

  2. #2
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    emsr2d2 is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: past continuous modals

    They're all fine and are commonly used
    bhaisahab likes this.

  3. #3
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    5jj
    5jj is offline Moderator
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    Default Re: past continuous modals

    As emsr2d2 said, your constructions are fine; however, your labelling isn't. Modals do not have continuous forms.

    #1 has a modal followed by an infinitive.
    #2 has a modal followed by a perfect infinitive.
    #3 has a modal followed by a present progressive( or: continuous) infinitive.
    #4 has a modal followed by a perfect progressive infinitive.
    emsr2d2 and atabitaraf like this.
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