Past Modals Exercise

Ethan's meeting in the Netherlands didn't go so well. He___ (arrive) so late for the meeting. ^{high certainty}

• should have arrived

• could have arrived

• may have arrived

• might have arrived

• must have arrived

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'must have arrived' because it indicates a strong assumption about Michael's late arrival, suggesting it was necessary for him to be there on time.

Noah failed his exam again. He (study) harder. ^obligation

• could have studied

• should have studied

• couldn't have studied

• may have studied

• might have studied

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have studied' because it indicates that Margaret had a responsibility or obligation to study harder in order to pass her exam, which she failed to do.

We didn't receive your last invoice, James. You (send) it to the wrong address.

^{2 possible answers}

• should have sent

• couldn't have sent

• could have sent

• may have sent

• might have sent

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have sent' because it indicates a missed obligation. The speaker implies that the invoice was expected at the correct address, and not sending it there was a mistake.

Aria (move) abroad. I saw her just yesterday!

• may have moved

• should have moved

• might have moved

• could have moved

• couldn't have moved

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have moved' because it implies a strong expectation that Emilio has moved abroad, especially since he was seen just yesterday, suggesting he may have made a recent decision.

The new deal Scarlett signed wasn't particularly cost-effective. With more careful preparation, we (negotiate) a much better price.

• should have negotiated

• may have negotiated

• might have negotiated

• could have negotiated

• couldn't have negotiated

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have negotiated' because it indicates a missed opportunity for a better price due to lack of careful preparation, suggesting that negotiation was expected but not executed.

Ava's advertising campaign looks very similar to ours. They (copy) our campaign.

• might have copied

• could have copied

• may have copied

• couldn't have copied

• should have copied

Answer explanation

The phrase 'should have copied' implies that ABC's campaign resembles yours to the extent that it is expected they would have copied it. The other options suggest uncertainty or inability, which do not fit the context.

Mia is having problems with her English. She (join) the company English course last year.

• should have joined

• could have joined

• couldn't have joined

• may have joined

• might have joined

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have joined' because it indicates that Angelo missed an opportunity to improve his English by not participating in the course last year, which aligns with his current problems.

'I can't find my car keys.' 'You (leave) them in the office.'

• should have left

• may have left

• might have left

• could have left

• couldn't have left

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have left' because it indicates a strong suggestion that the keys were likely left in the office, based on the context of the conversation.

Arjun (attend) the business development conference last month. It was probably the most interesting and useful conference I've been to all year.

• couldn't have attended

• might have attended

• could have attended

• should have attended

• may have attended

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'should have attended' because it implies a missed opportunity to attend the conference, which aligns with the context of it being interesting and useful.

Jessica (forget) to submit her report. That's why she didn't get the promotion.

• may have forgotten

• should have forgotten

• might have forgotten

• could have forgotten

• couldn't have forgotten