Page 20 - Journeys C1 (Workbook)

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Grammar Modal verbs

We make past modals by using the modal verb + To refer to unreal, but possible past actions
(not) + have + the past participle of the verb. Use would/could/might/may have to refer to things
I would have gone. that you didn’t do in the past which were possible.
She might have stayed. Use would have when the action was dependent on
We could have tried. another condition, which did not occur. Use might
have when this action was only a possibility.
Will in the past forms the future perfect tense.
I would/might have washed the car (if it hadn’t
I will/won’t have finished.
rained).
Use should have when you hope or expect
something to be true by a point in the future. Use could have if an action was possible in the past
but did not happen. Use couldn’t have if it wasn’t
I should have finished by Friday.
possible.
I could have helped him, but I didn’t.
To deduce the unknown past

Use must, could, might, may and can’t have when
To refer to past regrets
deducing something in the past that you don’t
Use should (n’t) have to refer to things that you wish
know for sure.
you had or hadn’t done in the past which cannot be
Use must have when you feel it is the only possible changed.
option.
I should/shouldn’t have told him – I wish I had/hadn’t
John must have eaten the last cake.
told him.
Use may, might or could have when expressing
possibilities.
John could/may/might have taken your bag by
mistake. 1. Which modal verb is not used in the past in the
positive form?
Use can’t have when you deduce that something
is not possible. 2. Which modal verb is not used in the past in the
negative form?
John can’t have left. His car is still here.
3. Which modal verbs have more than one
function in the past?

A. Complete the sentences with the correct modal verb. Sometimes more than one modal verb is possible.

1. I have gone to the cinema with you last night. I had a meeting.
a) couldn’t b) can’t c) wouldn’t
2. You have spent so much money on a present for me! It was totally unnecessary!
a) should b) shouldn’t c) might not
3. I can’t see Jim’s coat. He have arrived yet.

a) might not b) wouldn’t c) mustn’t
4. If you hadn’t worn your old blue coat, I have recognised you!
a) wouldn’t b) shouldn’t c) may not
5. I finished painting your room by the time you get back from your holiday.
a) could have b) will have c) should have
6. I’m sorry I didn’t remember your birthday. I have remembered, but I’ve been really busy.
a) would b) should c) must

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