Hi,
To me the following two sentences bear almost the same meaning.
This package was supposed to have been delivered yesterday.
This package was supposed to be delivered yesterday.
But I think the latter one is preferable since there is no benefit in using perfect infinitive passive.
I would request @Alan to clarify if I am wrong.
Hi Souba,
The delivery was intended for yesterday and so you need the passive perfect infinitive ‘to have been delivered’. ‘To be delivered’ suggests you are currently expecting a coming delivery as -
The package was supposed to be delivered today.
Alan, please examine this sentence: The package is supposed to have been delivered yesterday.
(What I mean is ‘I suppose that they should have delivered the package yesterday.’)
I feel that ‘is supposed’ suggests that’s what I understand now. ‘Was supposed’ suggests that’s what I understood at the time I was given the delivery time.
I see. In that case doesn’t ‘yesterday’ mean the ‘previous day’ (back to one more day)?
Alan,
As far as my little knowledge goes, perfect infinitive in the past tense expresses an incomplete action. For example, John was to have come yesterday ( John did not turn up).Please see the following sentence :
“The packet, which was supposed to have been delivered last week, was delivered yesterday only.”
Is the above sentence correct? Pl. clarify.
However, I always appreciate your lucid clarification. Thank you very much.
Hi Souba,
Yes you are quite right. The infinitive in a verb form as the very name suggests in present, past and passive form and is invariably indicative of an intention which is very often unfulfilled. Even in its simple form -
I wanted /want to go to Kathmandu
we do not know whether this actually happens.
Alan
Alan (Sir),
Thank you very much your clarification. I always look forward to your clarification to my every query, which is very valuable to me. Thanx again.