Modal Thermometer

COULD
Something was possible in the past
SHOULD or there was a probability, but it
It was a good idea to do something, but it didn't happen.
didn't happen, or you think it didn´t happen.
MUST
MIGHT/MAY
We use this modal verb to show a high
Might expresses less certainty compared degree of certainty. We are almost 100%
to must. We say "might have done" sure that something took place in the past.
when some past event seems probable,
but we aren't absolutely sure.
You must have finished it.

One of you must have used it.

We use this modal verb to show a high degree of certainty. We are almost 100% sure that something took place
in the past.
It can´t have been me.
Use to express a degree of certainty of an event in the past.

Could you have drunk it last night?

Something was possible in the past or there was a probability, but it didn't happen.
Someone might have given it to the cat.
Might expresses less certainty compared to must. We say "might have done" when some past
event seems probable, but we aren't absolutely sure.

..you should have put your name on it.

It was a good idea to do something, but it didn't happen, or you think it didn´t happen.
 modal + have + past participle
We use modals this way when we are talking about the situation that happened in the past and can't be
changed anymore.
For example
- You could have hurt yourself.
- They should have warned me.
- He must have got lost
 

modal + subject + have + past participle ... ?

To make a question with a modal verb referring to the past, we swap the modal and the subject:
Examples
- Should I have called you earlier?
- Would he have believed me?
 modal + not + have + past participle
It is common to use contracted negative forms like couldn't, shouldn't.
Examples
- She shouldn't have said that.
- We couldn't have foreseen that change of plans.
- He might not have noticed the error.
Could have vs could´ve
/kəd hæv/  vs /ˈkʊdəv/
I could have come to your wedding.
I could´ve come to your wedding.

 
Should have vs should´ve
/ˈʃəd hæv/ vs /ˈʃʊdəv/
You should have taken that trip.
You should´ve taken that trip.

 
Might/must/may have vs Might/mist/may´ve
/ˈməst hæv/ vs /ˈmʌstəv/
We might have been in Paris by now.
We might´ve been in Paris by now.
1.- Nobody knows exactly why he died. But we think it might have been an accident.
2.- I should have revised more for the exam. I was lazy, and now I'll fail!
3.- Sarah looked very happy. She must have passed her driving test.
4.- I didn't know you were going to Phil's party yesterday. You can't have told me!
5.- I can't believe Jim hasn't arrived yet. He must have taken the wrong train.
6.- I can't believe Jim hasn't arrived yet. He shouldn't have taken the correct train.
7.- You mustn't have been ill yesterday. Jessie saw you at the bowling alley.
8.- I don't know where they went but they could have gone to Paris or Marseille.