MODALS IN THE PAST

MODAL VERB + HAVE + PAST PARTICIPLE

ex. Could have sent, should have gone, could have
finished

PAST POSSIBILITY
1. Jeniffer may/might have taken this photo.
2. The children could have found the information on
the net.

CERTAINITY ABOUT THE PAST

1. You must have had a wonderful time at
Disneyland. It’s such a fun place.
2. The little girl can’t/ couldn’t have sent the letter.
She doesn’t even know how to write.

CRITICISM OF PAST ACTIONS

1. You really should have called to say you weren’t
coming.
2. Danny shouldn’t have made fun of his classmate’s
drawing.
ABILITY AND WILLINGNESS TO DO STH. IN THE PAST,
BUT THE ACTION DID NOT HAPPEN
1. You could have spent more time with Grandad.
2. I would have helped you with the photography
assignment.