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Used To Give Possible Reasons Why Something Happened or Didn't Happen in The Past
Used To Give Possible Reasons Why Something Happened or Didn't Happen in The Past
May have . . .
Part 1
What do you think your husband got you for your anniversary?
I dont know. He might have gotten me some jewelry. He may have bought me a new kitchen appliance. He could have picked out some perfume for me.
Must have . . .
*stronger than
-may have -might have -could have
Part 2
Meaning / Use:
Must have = similar to the use of may/might/could have Must have shows more certainty than may/might/could have Use must have + past participle to show a strong probability
Comparison:
Jan looks really tired today. Its strange to see her this way because she is usually very energetic.
She must not have gotten very much sleep last night.
Did you see how well Sam played during the soccer game? I was really surprised that he scored 4 goals because he usually doesnt play that well.
He must have practiced a lot before the game. OR He must have been practicing a lot recently.
(progressive form)
Negative Examples:
Richards wife bought a new table 2 weeks ago, but Richard still hasnt assembled it. I wonder why?
Pronunciation Tips:
When you hear native speakers use this grammar, it often sounds like they are saying:
could-uv or could-a
must-uv or must-a
1. I wonder why Janet didnt come to school today? 2. I wonder why Lisa and her husband decided to move to Temecula. 3. I wonder what my mother got me for my birthday.
For more practice with this grammar structure . . . go to our class website: www.ecc6.blogspot.com