Modal Perfect Uses

1. 1. I thought I saw Yolanda in the car park, but it may, might, or could have been someone else.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 2. She could/might have given me the information, but she didn't bother.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 3. She could/might have had a brilliant career, but she gave it all up for love. (2 answers)

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 4. The team would have been stronger if she had been with us.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 5. The report should have been submitted a lot earlier.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 6. The project might/could have been a terrible failure, but turned out to be a great success.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 7. We wouldn't have achieved such good results if we hadn't worked together as a team.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 8. You ought to have made a reservation - there are no seats left now.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 9. I wasn't there myself, but from what I hear, it must have been a very stormy meeting.

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize

1. 10. She says she met me in Brazil, but it can't have been me because I've never been to Brazil!

• Assume that something happened in the past expressing a level of certainty/uncertainty

• Make hypothesis based on a condition in the past

• Criticize