Business English B2 · Lesson 7A

Grammar Bank

The rules behind this lesson — form, use, model sentences and the mistakes to avoid.

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Grammar focus of this lesson

Past modals (must have / might have / should have)

1 structure

Past modals · would rather
Deduction and criticism about the past, plus stating preference.
I've got this
Rules & form
- ›must have + participle: I'm sure it happened.
- ›can't / couldn't have: I'm sure it didn't.
- ›might / may / could have: possibly.
- ›should have / shouldn't have: criticism or regret.
- ›would rather (+ base verb) / would rather + past simple for other people.
Examples
- “They must have missed the email.”
- “You shouldn't have promised that date.”
- “I'd rather present after lunch. / I'd rather you sent it today.”
Watch out · must have been ≠ must be — check whether you mean past or present.
Your own example