Modals of Past Possibilities

Paul's class starts at 8:30. It's 8:45 and he's not here yet. He _____.

• must have missed the bus

• must have been sick

• might have missed the bus

• must be sick

Betty said she was hungry, but she didn't eat very much after all. She _____.

• couldn't have been hungry

• couldn't have liked the food

• couldn't like the food

• can't like the food

Our son promised to clean his room, but it is still messy. He _____

• could have cleaned it

• can't clean it

• cannot clean it

• couldn't have cleaned it

My plants are dead. I _____.

• can't have given them enough water

• could have given them enough water

• couldn't give them enough water

• must give them more water

The twins have guilty expressions on their faces. They _____.

• might have done something naughty.

• must do something naughty

• must have done something naughty

• might do something naughty

I don't know why he hasn't called me back. He _____.

• must have forgotten my number

• might have forgotten my number

• might be forgetting my number

• might forget my number

I've phoned Jim several times, but he didn't answer.

• must be sleeping

• must have gone out

• might go to bed

• can't have lost the phone

My white shirt has dirty marks on it. I _____.

• can't wash it properly

• must not have washed it properly

• can't have washed it properly

• must to wash it properly

Look! Our car isn't in the driveway! Somebody _____.

• might have stolen it

• could have stolen it

• must have stolen it

• must have steal it

My friend Josh looks so upset. He _____earlier today.

• could have failed the driver's test

• must have failed the driver's test

• must have fallen the driver's test

• can't have failed the driver's test