POST MODALS/ UNIT 6

 

Past Modals (Modal Verbs in the Past)

We use past modals to talk about possibilities, regrets, deductions, and past obligations.

 Structure:

Modal verb + have + past participle

 Types of Past Modals

---

 Examples in Context

1. Must have:

The cake is gone. Someone must have eaten it! 

2. Can't have / Couldn't have:

He can't have known about the surprise. We told no one! 

3. Might have / Could have / May have:

She might have left her keys at work. 

4. Should have:

You should have told me earlier! Now it's too late. 

5. Would have:

I would have helped you if I had known. 

---

 Exercise: Fill in the blanks with the correct past modal!

1. He _______ (tell) me about the test. Now I failed! 

2. They _______ (see) us, but I’m not sure. 

3. You _______ (be) so tired after running 10 km. 

4. She _______ (go) to the concert, but she was sick. 

5. That _______ (be) a ghost… I swear I saw something! 

Answers:

1. should have told

2. might have seen

3. must have been

4. would have gone

5. can’t have been