Share B2 Past modals of deduction
Save to Folder
The thief ______________________ got in through the window. It's not broken or forced.
can't have
I _________________________ left my phone at work; I made a call on the drive home.
might have
She __________________ been happy when she heard the good newsmus
must have
They _____________________ bought a house without a loan because they had no savings.
can't have
He looks upset. He _________________________ liked whatever she just said.
can't have or must not have (normally Am Eng). There is a difference between the two, ask your teacher
Great! It _______________________ been better!”
couldn't have
I don’t know why John didn’t come to the party: he may / can’t have been busy I suppose.
may
Steven isn’t in the office: he must / can’t have gone home.
must
Joe’s very clever: he must / might have passed all his exams with top marks.
must
Sarah can’t find her glasses: she might / can’t have left them at the restaurant.
might
The man is in prison now: he can’t / could have robbed the bank yesterday
can't
It’s eight o’clock and Helen’s in bed already: she can / must have been very tired.
must
Paul’s late: he can’t / might not have heard the alarm.
might not (though can't is technically possible, as is mustn't)
This is not Tudor Square: we can’t / must have taken the wrong road.
must
Someone’s left their mobile here: it might / can’t have been Amy or Sheila.
both are correct as there is no more context!
Tom missed his train this morning: he can’t / must have arrived on time at the office
can't
