Past modal verbs

You look freezing. You ___ worn a coat.

• should have

• might not have

• could have

Answer explanation

We use should / shouldn't have to criticise past actions.

Ask that question again; the teacher ___ heard you.

• shouldn't have

• could have

• can't have

Answer explanation

We use can’t/couldn’t have + past participle to say that we are quite sure that something did NOT happen or was NOT true in the past.

Your brother has been using your email account. You ___ told him your password.

• must have

• mustn't have

• couldn't have

Answer explanation

We use must have + past participle to say that we are quite sure that something was true or happened in the past.

Jack is really upset. You ___ laughed at him!

• may not have

• can't have

• shouldn't have

Answer explanation

We use should / shouldn't have to criticise past actions.

I sent you a postcard, but you___ received it yet.

• may have

• should have

• might not have

Answer explanation

We use might not or may not (NOT could not) to talk about a negative possibility.

Your phone is dead. You ___ recharged it this morning.

• might have

• shouldn't have

• can't have

Answer explanation

We use can’t have + past participle to say that we are quite sure that something did NOT happen or was NOT true in the past.

I can't remember when I last saw you. Maybe it was last April, or it ___ been in the summer.

• might have

• must have

• can't have

Answer explanation

We use may / might / could have for speculating about past events.

You ___ invited Sam to your party. He's a really nice guy.

• can't have

• should have

• might not have

Answer explanation

We use should / shouldn't have to criticise past actions.

Let's run for the bus. It ___ left yet.

• should have

• may have

• might not have

Answer explanation

We use may / might / could have for speculating about past events.