Question

The epic is dated back to nearly 3000 BC, but scholars believe it__much earlier through an oral tradition.

(a) should have existed
(b) could existed
(c) could have existed
(d)may exist ​

Answer 1

Answer:

The epic is dated back to nearly 3000 BC, but scholars believe it *could have existed* much earlier through an oral tradition.

Answer 2

Option (c) could have existed -This is the answer.

Explanation:

• We should select the correct option from the ones given to fill in the blank provided.
• Option (a) 'should have existed' is wrong. It means that the scholars are much sure about its existence which is wrong. We have the word 'believed'. So it means we can't be sure of it.
• Option (b) 'could existed' is incorrect because the phrase 'could existed' itself is not grammatically correct.
• Option (c) 'could have existed' is the correct answer. It is because the scholars are believing that the epic belongs to an earlier oral tradition. As it is a guess/ an unsure concept, 'could have existed' is the right answer.
• Option (d) 'may exist' is wrong because 'may' is present tense and in the sentence we are talking about the past.
• Therefore the answer is: The epic is dated back to nearly 3000 BC, but scholars believe it could have existed much earlier through an oral tradition.