Expressing past speculations

(Possibility in the past)

may/might/could/would + V (present infinitive) perhaps; its possible that smth will happen in the future or perhaps it is true at the moment have been + V (Perfect infinitive) perhaps smth happened in the past

He would die if they hadnt got him to the hospital in time. (there is a possibility)
Sam may/might/could / would pass his test this time. (its possible that he will pass his test.) Wheres Jean? She could be at school.

He would have died if they hadnt got him to the hospital in time. ( but he didnt!)
She looks miserable. She may / might / could have lost her job. (perhaps she gas lost her job) Don t drive so fast! You could have killed that boy. (Luckily, you didnt kill the boy.)
- He could have been at work yesterday ?

He could be at work yesterday.

Past speculations. Level of certainty/probability

100% 99% would must 100% cant
They cant have worked until late.

50% 50%

may / might could

FUNCTIONS
Function Past regrets Strong opinions Past speculation Modal should / ought to, could

should / ought to (must) would, must, could, might, may

may, might, could must would

Possibility and uncertainty

Strong possibility Certainty

HT check p.122, ex. 2 FUNCTION

ought to have been

strong opinion should have been

could have been

could have been might have been must have been would have been

past regret
possibility / uncertainty in the past almost certainty in the past certainty in the past