The goalkeeper [EGAD]

Quiz

Consider the forms in bold in the utterances below and determine whether or not they situate the modal meaning in the past time-sphere. In other words, is the verb paraphrased as ‘it is (not) possible' or ‘it was (not) possible'.

1. The goalkeeper could be out for two weeks.

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is possible' (= present time-sphere)
It is possible that he will be out for two weeks.
past time reference - 'it was possible' (= past time-sphere)

Quiz

2. Could a tsunami strike again in Indonesia?

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is (not) possible' (= present time-sphere)
Is it possible that a tsunami will strike again in Indonesia?
past time reference - 'it was (not) possible' (= past time-sphere)

Quiz

3. The main building could not be accessed because of the student strike.

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is (not) possible' (= present time-sphere)
past time reference - 'it was (not) possible' (= past time-sphere)
It was not possible for the main building to be accessed.

Quiz

4. She might have been referred to a therapist by her GP. She wouldn't tell me.

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is possible' (= present time-sphere)
It is possible that she was referred to a therapist by her GP.
past time reference - 'it was possible' (= past time-sphere)

Quiz

5. Try as we might, we didn't manage to unlock the front door.

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is (not) possible' (= present time-sphere)
past time reference - 'it was (not) possible' (= past time-sphere)
Though it was possible for us to try to unluck the front door (and we did try), we did not manage to. (concessive)

Quiz

6. Try as I might, I can't manage to unlock the front door.

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is (not) possible' (= present time-sphere)
Though it is possible for me to try to unluck the front door (and I am trying), I cannot not manage to. (concessive)
past time reference - 'it was (not) possible' (= past time-sphere)

Quiz

7. You might have missed your train if I hadn't woken you up. Did you sleep through your alarm? DISCUSS

Expected answer

no past time reference - 'it is (not) possible' (= present time-sphere)
past time reference - 'it was (not) possible' (= past time-sphere)
Your missing the train was possible (although you didn't miss it -- counterfactuality), but did not actualize because I woke you up.

Correction Restart

The goalkeeper

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