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B2 Past modals of deduction

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  • I _________________________ left my phone at work; I made a call on the drive home.
    might have
  • James only had a sandwich for lunch. He _______________ very hungry. (be)
    can't have been (mustn't have been is also possible, esp in Am Eng. Ask your teacher about the difference)
  • Jack was in his office five minutes ago: he _______________ home already. (go)
    can’t have gone
  • Joe’s very clever: he must / might have passed all his exams with top marks.
    must
  • Betty was very late last night: she _______________ the last bus. (miss)
    must have missed
  • Tom missed his train this morning: he can’t / must have arrived on time at the office
    can't
  • Caroline looks very brown: the weather _______________ bad on her holiday. (be)
    can't have been bad
  • They _____________________ bought a house without a loan because they had no savings.
    can't have
  • The man is in prison now: he can’t / could have robbed the bank yesterday
    can't
  • Someone’s left their mobile here: it might / can’t have been Amy or Sheila.
    both are correct as there is no more context!
  • Great! It _______________________ been better!”
    couldn't have
  • I can’t find my ticket anywhere. I _______________ it.(lose)
    must have lost
  • 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
  • Sarah can’t find her glasses: she might / can’t have left them at the restaurant.
    might
  • The thief ______________________ got in through the window. It's not broken or forced.
    can't have
  • The driver didn’t stop so he _______________ the red light.(see)
    can't have seen (mustn't have been is also possible, esp in Am Eng. Ask your teacher about the difference)
  • She __________________ been happy when she heard the good newsmus
    must 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
  • 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
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