Modal Perfect

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

She should have felt honoured. Bennett later said he never should have doubted her talent. Critics might have reconsidered had they heard the outtakes.

Grammar Reference · Modal Perfect

should have + p.p.

Used to criticise a past action or express regret about something that did not happen. Example: She should have rested more.

shouldn't have + p.p.

Used to say a past action was wrong or unwise. Example: He shouldn't have doubted her ability that day.

could/might have +

Used for a possible but unrealised past outcome. Example: She could have recorded more albums.

Common error

Avoid using 'has' instead of 'have', and avoid base-form verbs after have. Correct: should have gone, not should have went.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Modal Perfect

1.She have felt honoured when Bennett called her.

2.Bennett have doubted her, but he did.

3.Critics have reconsidered if they had listened closely.

4.The label have supported her more during that period.

5.She have arrived earlier to prepare properly.

6.Fans have known about the session beforehand.

02Exercise 2 — Transform

rewrite with the new structure

1.It was wrong that she felt so nervous before recording.

2.It's possible that critics reconsidered after hearing the outtakes.

3.It was a mistake for Bennett to doubt her talent.

4.It would have been better if the industry had supported her earlier.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

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