Learn English with Podcast | Grammer | Past Modals

Описание: Unlock the secret to sounding natural in English!
In today’s episode, Hannah and Alex break down past modals like might have, must have, could have, should have, and more—using real stories, humor, and clear explanations.

Learn how native speakers use these forms every day to guess about the past, express regrets, criticize decisions, and explain situations. Perfect for intermediate and upper-intermediate learners who want to speak more fluently and confidently.

📚 KEY EXPRESSIONS:
• might have + past participle
• must have + past participle
• can’t have / couldn’t have
• should have / shouldn’t have

🎯 TODAY'S CHALLENGE:
Write three sentences using past modals in the comments!

PAST MODALS – B2 EXERCISES (International Version)
(might have, must have, could have, should have, can’t have, couldn’t have, might not have, shouldn’t have, mustn’t have)
Exercise 1 — Choose the correct option
Select the best past modal to complete each sentence.
The meeting started without Tom. He ____ checked the wrong schedule.
a) might have
b) can’t have
c) shouldn’t have


The café was completely full at 7 p.m. They ____ expected so many customers.
a) might not have
b) must have
c) couldn’t have


She answered the question perfectly. She ____ studied a lot.
a) must have
b) might not have
c) couldn’t have


The box is still sealed. He ____ opened it yet.
a) must have
b) can’t have
c) might have


You look sunburned. You ____ stayed outside longer than you planned.
a) must have
b) couldn’t have
c) shouldn’t have


Exercise 2 — Rewrite with past modals
Rewrite each sentence using the past modal indicated in brackets.
I’m sure he lost the keys. (must have)
→ ___________________________________________


It was possible that she didn’t see your message. (might not have)
→ ___________________________________________


I’m certain they didn’t arrive before 5. (can’t have)
→ ___________________________________________


It wasn’t a good idea for us to leave so late. (shouldn’t have)
→ ___________________________________________


It was possible for him to win the game, but he didn’t. (could have)
→ ___________________________________________


Exercise 3 — Guess the explanation
Read the situation and choose the best explanation using a past modal.
You hear loud music from your neighbors at midnight.
a) They must have gone to bed early.
b) They might have had a party.
c) They can’t have made any noise.


Your friend didn’t reply for 8 hours, but their phone was on.
a) They might not have noticed the notifications.
b) They must have answered immediately.
c) They couldn’t have ignored you.


A student got a perfect score on a very difficult test.
a) They must have studied really hard.
b) They might not have prepared anything.
c) They can’t have understood the questions.


Your coworker is surprised about a meeting you emailed them about.
a) They must have read the email carefully.
b) They might not have opened the email.
c) They couldn’t have missed it.


Your friend looks disappointed after the interview.
a) They must have gotten great news.
b) They might have received a difficult question.
c) They couldn’t have spoken to anyone.


Exercise 4 — Create your own sentences (Open-ended)
Use the modal verb shown to write a sentence about a past situation.
might have → ___________________________


must have → ___________________________


shouldn’t have → ___________________________


couldn’t have → ___________________________


might not have → ___________________________

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