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Exercise: PAST MODALS 1

level: Intermediate (B1/B2)

Choose the more natural-sounding option from the following past modals to complete each sentence: must have, might have, should have, could have.
EXAMPLE: There's no doubt in my mind. He must have trained for this.

GRAMMAR REVIEW: COULD HAVE vs. MUST HAVE

COULD HAVE
Meaning: Something was possible in the past, but it didn't happen (or we don't know if it happened). Use: To talk about missed opportunities or past possibilities.

Example:
"I could have called you, but I forgot." → It was possible, but I didn't do it.

MUST HAVE
Meaning: We are making a strong logical deduction about the past. We're almost sure something happened. Use: To express a high probability based on evidence.

Example:
"She must have left early." → I'm almost certain she left early (based on what I know).

Don't forget to check out our other free exercises on modals:
Mixed modals 1 (should, can, must) (I)
Mixed modals 2 (should, can, must) (I)
Modals of speculation 1 (I)
Past modals (should have, must have, etc.) 1
MODALS with the INFINITIVE 1 (B)
MODALS with the INFINITIVE 2 (B)
MODALS (Couldn't/Might Not) (I)

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DID YOU KNOW?

How is grammar assessed in the Speaking section of IELTS?

Grammar is assessed under Grammatical Range and Accuracy (25% of Speaking score).

Examiners assess:
• Sentence complexity in spontaneous speech
• Control of tenses when talking about past, present, and future
• Accuracy under pressure (self-correction is acceptable)
Examples:
• Band 6: Errors occur but communication is not affected.
• Band 7+: Flexible use of grammar with few noticeable errors.