Past modals of deduction

Front

What is a past modal of deduction?

Back

A past modal of deduction is a verb form used to express certainty or possibility about a past event, indicating what is believed to have happened.

Front

What does 'must have' indicate in a sentence?

Back

'Must have' indicates a strong belief or certainty that something happened in the past.

Front

Provide an example of 'must have' in a sentence.

Back

Sarah looks really pleased with herself. She must have passed her driving test this morning.

Front

What does 'could have' express?

Back

'Could have' expresses a possibility or opportunity that existed in the past but did not happen.

Front

Provide an example of 'could have' in a sentence.

Back

I didn’t know you were going to Phil’s party yesterday. You could have told me!

Front

What does 'should have' imply?

Back

'Should have' implies that something was expected or advisable in the past but did not occur.

Front

Provide an example of 'should have' in a sentence.

Back

You should have studied for the test if you wanted to pass.

Front

What does 'couldn't have' indicate?

Back

'Couldn't have' indicates a strong belief that something did not happen in the past.

Front

Provide an example of 'couldn't have' in a sentence.

Back

Don’t lie to me that you were ill yesterday. You couldn't have been ill – David said you were at the ice hockey match last night.

Front

What does 'might have' suggest?

Back

'Might have' suggests a possibility that something could have happened in the past.