Perfect Modals

Definition, function and use:

When a modal auxiliary verb is followed by another verb in the present perfect tense to refer to something in the past,
it is sometimes referred to as modal perfects. They are also known as modals + have for time in past.

Modal perfects are used to express possibility, obligation, deduction or assumption about something that happened in
the past.

The examples given in bold are used quite often in spoken English.

Modals Functions + Example - Example

Should have /shouldnt You should have crossed the You shouldnt have crossed the
have Obligatio road here road there
Mustve/mustnt have n You mustve brought it with you You mustnt have lost your key
Neednt have (-) You neednt have come
immediately
Possibility
Might have/ mightnt You might have seen him at the You mightnt have seen him in the
have circus dark
Could have/ couldnt Deductio You could have bought it You couldnt have seen him in
have n the dark

Can have/ cant have (-) He cant have heard the doorbell
Mustve/ mustnt have Assumpti It mustve been a nightmare You mustnt have seen the letter
on
Mustve / mustnt have I mustve forgotten my book I mustnt have locked the door
 Perfect Modals

Exercise 1: Complete the responses in the dialogues below using the perfect modals in the box.

Mustve mustnt have cant have shouldve shouldnt have

mightve mightnt have

A) My brother and his wife used to have eleven restaurants. Really? They ...
been very busy.

B) I rang the bell three times but nobody answered the door. They heard you.

C) We stayed in a huge hotel with 1000 bedrooms. Oh, one of those places. It
been a very friendly hotel.

D) Have you heard about the Euro crisis? Yes I think I . heard something on
the radio about it.

E) The wedding cost 30,000. Really? It .. been a perfect day for that
price.

F) Last nights party was terrible. I know. I . gone if Id known.

G) Heres your birthday present. Sorry its late. Oh thank you, but you . .

Exercise 2: Consider your answers to the sentences above and the function of each perfect modal used. Decide
whether the function is obligation, possibility, deduction or assumption and complete the table below.

Function?
A
B
C
D
E
 Perfect Modals

F
G