Modal Verbs in the Past Quiz

Which modal verb do we use to talk about general past ability?

• Should

• Could

• Must

• Needn't

What is used to describe ability in one specific past action?

• Must have

• Could have

• Was able to

• Should have

What does the phrase "must have (done)" express?

• Certainty

• Ability

• Obligation

• Permission

Which of the following expresses criticism in the past?

• Must have (done)

• Should have (done)

• Could have (done)

• May have (done)

What is the correct interpretation of "You must have left your wallet in the car"?

• It is impossible that you left it in the car.

• I am certain you left it in the car.

• I am suggesting you left it in the car.

• It is a possibility that you left it in the car.

Which modal verb describes an uncertain possibility about the past?

• Can

• Could

• May

• Must

What does "You can't have been really frightened" imply?

• It was possible that you were frightened.

• It is uncertain whether you were frightened.

• It is certain that you weren't frightened.

• You were definitely frightened.

Which form is used to talk about something that was supposed to happen but didn't?

• Must have (done)

• Could have (done)

• Was to have (done)

• Ought to have (done)

"Tim might have taken a later train" expresses:

• Criticism

• A past suggestion

• Possibility in the past

• Certainty

What is the difference between "needn't have (done)" and "didn't need to (do)"?

• There is no difference.

• "Needn't have" means an unnecessary action happened, while "didn't need to" means it didn't happen.

• "Needn't have" means it didn't happen, while "didn't need to" means it happened.

• Both refer to a past mistake.