This page focuses on making deductions about the past. The modal verb we choose shows how certain we are about the possibility. We can use modal verbs for deduction – guessing if something is true using the available information. Modals – deduction (past): Grammar test 1 How did she fail that exam? She can't have studied very much. We don't know for sure that Alex broke the coffee table. He to win the race.Look at these examples to see how must, might, may, could, can't and couldn't are used in the past.Īn earthquake? That must have been terrifying! Why aren't you at home revising for your exam?Ħ. Maybe Tom is looking for a new place to live.ĥ. It was very wrong of you to borrow my car without asking.Ĥ.

It's possible that he missed his train.ģ.

I'm sure he didn't understand what I was saying to him. Make sure you think about the time - is it past, present or future?ġ. Rewrite these sentences using 2-5 words and the word in brackets. You might also be tested on modal verbs in the Key Transformations part of the exam. Practice 2: key transformations (use of English part 4) It is not true that the Great Wall of China can seen from the moon.I should have some housework at the weekend.When zoologists measured the spiders, they realised that they must been at least 16cm in length.Scientists have many theories about what might causing global warming.The potato crops may have destroyed by insects.No one knows how he died, but one theory is that it have been a tragic accident.For example, 'He should have gone' means 'he didn't go, and this was a mistake', while 'He must have gone' means 'I am sure that he went.' Practice 1: open cloze (use of English part 2)Ĭomplete these sentences with just one word. The exact meaning depends on the modal verb used. done, gone, been) is a past passive (someone did it to him) Modal + have + been + past participle (e.g. done, gone, been) is a passive (someone else does it to him) done, gone, been) refers to a finished action (usually past) Modal + be + verb-ing refers to an action in progress (usually now) Modal + verb refers to a single action (usually future) or a state (now) There are 5 patterns you need to remember which follow modal verbs: More information about the modal verb would is in my B2 First conditionals pages. If you want more details, you can read about these more in the main grammar pages of this website. You will need to be able to use modal verbs (must, should, could etc.) and the different verb forms which come after them.

Past modal verbs exercises