10 Modal auxiliary verbs 2

Modal auxiliary verbs of probability in the past

1 Modal verbs can all be used with the perfect infinitive. They express
varying degrees of certainty.
Most certain Least certain.
will have done might/may/could have done
‘What was that noise outside?’
‘That’ll have been my cat.’
‘Someone must have shouted.’ (I’m certain.)
‘It can’t have been Tom. He’s away.’
‘A neighbour may have knocked.’ (I’m certain it wasn’t Tom.)
‘Rita might have come home early.’
‘You could have imagined it.’ (It’s possible.)

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 10 Modal auxiliary verbs 2

2 Would have thought is commonly used to express an assumption.

I’d have thought they’d email me. What’s happened?
You would have thought he’d help his friends.
(= an assumption)

Rewrite the sentences using the appropriate modal verb.

1 I’m certain Ines didn’t forget.

Ines can’t have forgotten.
2 I assume they’d be willing to help us.
I’d have thought they’d be willing to help us.
3 I’m certain Tara sent me these flowers.
Tara will have sent me these flowers.
Tara must have sent me these flowers.

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