PAST TENSE MODAL VERBS

PAST TENSE MODAL VERBS

1. expressing your present feelings about a past decision (or other action).

2. Could have

   • means that something was possible in the past, but it did not happen.
     • I could have gone directly to college, but I decided to travel for a year.
     • She could not have been on that flight because I just saw her at work.

3. Would have

   • I would have A, but I had to B
     • show that you wanted to do something in the past, but you could not.
       • I would have called, but there was no phone service.
   • also forms the result clause of a past unreal conditional.
     • If I had known they were vegetarians, I would have made a salad.

4. Should have

   • means that something did not happen, but we wish it had happened.
     • “I was so worried about you. You should have called!”
   • is common in apologies
     • I’m sorry that I’m late for work. I should have woken up earlier.