Modal verbs: Past.

Hello! Today I'm going to explain the different modal verbs in past. I hope you like this new post because it is very interesting and useful! 

Must / Might / can’t + have + participle past. These verbs can make deductions or speculate about past actions.

• Must have: When you are sure that something happened: logical deductions about past actions.

-           I must have passed the exam.

-          You must have seen something.

-          I must have left my wallet in the car.( I am sure I did)

• Might/ May have: These express possibility or uncertainty about past actions. It is possible that something happened. You also can use could have.

-          She may have taken a later train. (Perhaps she did)

-          Tim may not have got your letter. (Perhaps he didn’t)

-          He still has not arrived I might not have given him the right direction.

• Can’t have: You are sure that something didn’t happen or that it is impossible. You can use could not have. This is the opposite of Must have.

-          They can’t have gone to bed yet.

-          They can’t have seen us.

-          Jim can’t have noticed you.(I am sure he didn’t)

Should have/ ought to have.  These express the feeling that a mistake was made.

• Should have: To say that somebody didn’t do the right thing.

-          I should have posted this letter yesterday. ( I didn’t do the right thing)

-          It is my fault I should have told you earlier that she was coming.

• Ought to have: You can use this verb as an alternative. This is a criticism.

See you soon students!!!