Past Modals

Front

What are past modals?

Back

Past modals are auxiliary verbs used to express possibility, necessity, or ability in the past. They include 'could have,' 'should have,' 'would have,' and 'might have.'

Front

When do we use 'could have'?

Back

'Could have' is used to express a past possibility or ability that did not happen. Example: 'I could have gone to the party, but I was busy.'

Front

What does 'should have' indicate?

Back

'Should have' indicates a past obligation or a recommendation that was not fulfilled. Example: 'You should have studied for the exam.'

Front

Explain the use of 'would have'.

Back

'Would have' is used to express a hypothetical situation in the past. Example: 'I would have helped you if I had known you needed it.'

Front

What does 'might have' express?

Back

'Might have' expresses a possibility in the past that did not occur. Example: 'She might have come to the party if she had been invited.'

Front

What is the difference between 'must have' and 'can't have'?

Back

'Must have' indicates a strong belief about a past event, while 'can't have' indicates impossibility. Example: 'He must have left early.' vs 'He can't have left early, the meeting was still going on.'

Front

How do you form a negative past modal?

Back

To form a negative past modal, add 'not' after the modal verb. Example: 'should not have,' 'could not have.'

Front

What is an example of 'could' in the past?

Back

Example: 'When I was younger, I could swim very well.' This indicates ability in the past.

Front

What does 'had to' imply in the past?

Back

'Had to' implies a necessity or obligation that existed in the past. Example: 'I had to finish my homework before going out.'

Front

How is 'would rather have' used?

Back

'Would rather have' is used to express a preference for a different past action. Example: 'I would rather have gone to the beach than the mountains.'