PAST MODALS: could have | may have | might have | must have | should have | would have - GRAMMAR

Summary

In this engaging lesson, Arnel from Arnel's Everyday English explores the use of modal verbs such as could have, may have, might have, must have, should have, and would have. The video breaks down these past modals, emphasizing their different meanings and uses, such as expressing past possibilities, regrets, and hypothetical situations. Arnel highlights the importance of pronunciation and offers tips for making these phrases sound more natural in conversation. By the end, viewers gain a clearer understanding of these modal verbs, encouraging them to create personal examples for better retention.

Takeaways

• 😀 Modal verbs in English include could, may, might, must, should, and would.
• 🤔 These verbs are used with 'have' plus the past participle to express past possibilities.
• 📅 Understanding the past participle is crucial; examples include 'walked' and 'swum.'
• 💭 'Could have,' 'may have,' and 'might have' are used interchangeably to indicate past possibilities.
• 💸 Use 'could have' and 'might have' to express regret or relief about not doing something.
• 🔍 'Must have' indicates a strong assumption or belief about a past event.
• 🚫 In the negative form, we use 'couldn't have' to express impossibility.
• 📞 'Should have' conveys expectation or regret about past actions.
• 🦄 'Would have' expresses hypothetical situations that did not occur.
• 💬 In spoken English, modal verbs are often contracted (e.g., could've, woulda), and it's common to hear lazy pronunciations.

Q & A

What are modal verbs, and why are they important in English?

Modal verbs are auxiliary verbs that express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. They are important because they help convey different shades of meaning and nuances in sentences.

What is the focus of Arnel's lesson on modal verbs?

Arnel's lesson specifically focuses on past modal verbs: could have, may have, might have, must have, should have, and would have.

How do you form a past modal verb?

A past modal verb is formed by combining a modal verb with 'have' and the past participle of a verb (e.g., could have gone, should have called).

What is the difference between 'could have,' 'may have,' and 'might have'?

'Could have,' 'may have,' and 'might have' all indicate past possibilities and can be used interchangeably, although 'may' is often considered more formal or indicative of a higher possibility.

What does 'must have' indicate in a sentence?

'Must have' indicates a strong belief or high probability about a past event, suggesting that the speaker is almost certain something happened.

How do 'should have' and 'would have' differ in meaning?

'Should have' expresses expectation or regret about a past action, while 'would have' refers to hypothetical situations that didn't occur.

Can you give an example of using 'could have' to express a past option that wasn't taken?

An example would be: 'I could have gone to the hair salon, but I decided to cut my hair myself to save money.'

What is the significance of negative forms like 'couldn't have' or 'mustn't have'?

Negative forms like 'couldn't have' and 'mustn't have' are used to express impossibility or a lack of certainty regarding a past event.

How does Arnel suggest making modal verbs easier to remember?

Arnel suggests writing personal example sentences using modal verbs, as this practice helps reinforce understanding and retention.

What are some common contractions for modal verbs in spoken English?

Common contractions include could’ve, may’ve, might’ve, must’ve, should’ve, and would’ve. In casual speech, people may also use forms like 'coulda' or 'shoulda.'