Page 25 - Grasp English B2 (Grammar Book)

Departures 4

Perfect modal verbs revision

We use perfect modal verbs to talk about different
situations in the past. They are formed as follows:
modal verb + have + past participle

Perfect modal Explanation Example

expressing certainty in the The kettle can’t have been broken. I bought
can’t have + V3
past it yesterday. (I’m sure it wasn’t)

we had the ability or
could have + V3 chance to do something in I could have accepted his offer, but I didn’t.
the past, but we didn’t.

we didn’t have the ability or
couldn’t have + V3 chance to do something in I couldn’t have found the right way without
my navigation device.
the past.

expressing regrets or I should have taken my jacket with me.
should have + V3 unfulfilled obligations; You should have finished your work on time.
expectations Diana should have been at home by now.

You shouldn’t have shouted at Joe. He was
shouldn’t have + V3 expressing criticism
innocent.

expressing possibility in the You might have been injured seriously in the
may/might have + V3
past accident. You’re so lucky.
Wendy must have fallen asleep. She didn’t
must have + V3 past deductions
answer the phone.

You needn’t have cooked so much food.
needn’t have + V3 unnecessary past action
We aren’t hungry.

would have + V3
events in the past that did I would have visited Gina at the hospital
(usually combined not happen if I had known about her illness.
with if clauses)

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