Grammar reference unit 3 Modal perfect

1. We use could/might have done to describe a past ability which was not used: She could have paid by credit card but she preferred to use cash.

2. We use could/might have done to describe a past opportunity which was not taken: I might have gone to university after leaving school but I chose to get a job instead.

3. We use could/might have done to make a criticism: You might/could have told me about the party!

4. We can use couldn’t have done + comparative adjective when we want to emphasize a past action or feeling: They couldn’t have tried harder to make me feel welcome.

5. We use could/might have done for a specific past possibility: She might have done it; she had the opportunity and the motive.

6. We use can’t/couldn’t have done to express a negative deduction about the past: She can’t have fixed the computer, it’s still not working properly.

7. We often use can’t/couldn’t have done to express surprise or disbelief: She couldn’t have done it; she’s such a nice woman.

8. We use should/ought to have done for an unfulfilled obligation in the past: You really should have registered before term started.

9. We use shouldn’t/ought not to have done to criticize a past action: You shouldn’t have driven through that red light.

10. We use should (not)/ought (not)to have done to talk about the probability of an action in the past: I don’t know where our main speaker can be. He should have arrived hours ago.

11. We use should/ought to have done to express advice in the past: You should have told me before.

12. We use needn’t have done when the action happened but was unnecessary: We needn’t have taken warm sweaters. We could have used the space in our luggage for more books!

13. We use must have done to express a logical deduction about the past: There was a terrific noise last night. It must have been an explosion.

14. We use mustn’t have done to express necessity in the past: You mustn’t have had any driving convictions or you won’t get the job.

15. We use will have done to refer to something which we feel certain has happened (but do not actually know): We sent the invitations on Monday, so they will have received them by now. Why hasn’t anyone replied?

16. We use would(not) have done if we want to comment on a hypothetical situation in the past: It would have been a good idea to notify us in advance of your intentions.

17. We use may/might not have done to express concession: She might not have done all the work, but she certainly got good results.

Grammar exercises

1. Complete each sentence with a suitable word or phrase.

1. Don’t worry that Carol is late, she … missed the train.

2. I begged David to accept some money, but he … hear of it.

3. That was a lucky escape! You … been killed!

4. It was supposed to be a secret! You … told her!

5. I spent last week at the beach because I didn’t … go to school.

6. The plane is late. It … landed by now.

7. You … met my brother. I haven’t got one!

8. There is only one solution. The butler … done it.

9. It was lovely. We … a better holiday!

10. So it was you who set off the fire alarm for a joke! I … known!

2. Fill in the gaps using a suitable form of can, could, may, might, be able to, manage to or succeed in and a form of the verb: have, not/find, we/borrow, speak, always/get, not/organize, accommodate, get, not/have, even/get, have, tell, not/make, not/invite, be, ask.

Mike: So how are the wedding arrangements going, Jane?

Jane: Not too bad. We are seeing the vicar tomorrow so Harry and I (0) … him about hiring the church hall for the reception.

Mike: It would be great if you (1) … that place, it is an ideal venue.

Jane: Yes, I know. Although it (2) … a bit too small if all our friends turn up!

Mike: It holds about a hundred people, doesn’t it?

Jane: Well, in fact it (3) … up to a hundred and twenty-five, apparently. But there are about a hundred and forty on our guest list. It’s a bit of a Catch-22 situation because I (4) … people until the reception is organized, but I (5) … a venue until I know how many people are coming!

Mike: Some of Harry’s cousins live in the States, don’t they?

Jane: Yes. I’m not sure if they are coming. It’s quite an expensive trip so they (6) … it over here. But I’m hoping at least some of them will come.

Mike: They (7) … one of those cheap charter flights. I’ve seen a lot of them advertised on the Internet recently.

Jane: Oh, I think Harry (8) … them about that already. He said he’d sent them some Internet links.

Mike: What about catering? Have you made any plans yet?

Jane: I’ve arranged something with Quality Caterers in the High Street.

Mike: Oh, I wish I’d known that before! I (9) … to Liz Brown for you when I saw her last Tuesday. She’s the manager there and she goes to the same tennis club a me. You never know, I (10) … you a discount!

Jane: That’s a pity. Still, they’ve given us a pretty good deal. By the way, Mike, there is one favour I wanted to ask you.

Mike: Sure. What is it?

Jane: (11) … your video camera?

Mike: Of course. You (12) … the tripod as well, if you like.

Jane: Harry dropped his camera when we were in Tenerife.And since we’ve been back he (13) … anyone around here to fix it.

Mike: What about music at the reception? Are you going to get a band?

Jane: No, we (14) … live music at the church hall, it doesn’t have a licence. But we (15) … a disco.