Might, have, may have, could have: expressing probability in the past.

Structure: modal + have + verb Past Participle

Might have done, may have done, could have done, etc.


We use may/ might/ could + have+ verb Past Participle

To say that it is possible that something happened in

the past.

See the examples:



The negative form is ‘may not have done’ / ‘might not

have done’ / ‘could not have done’ to mean that it is

possible that something didn’t happen.

See the example:


a. The thieves might have escaped by car but

we can’t be sure.

b. I can’t find my wallet. I could have left it in

the supermarket but I just don’t know.



a. She might not have said that because she

didn’t know anything.

Exercise 3
(éksersais zri)

Complete using present deductions or past modal deduction.

1. I’m so thankful for your help in making paper bag. I  without you! (not do) 

2. You just ate a huge dinner when you got home! You  that much without an empty stomach (eat) 

3. It  a lot last night. There are puddles everywhere. (rain) 

4. She never showed up. She  about our appointment. (forget) 

5. They ate every bite of their dinner. They  the food (enjoy). 

6. We’re not sure if this painting is an original. It  worth thousands of dollars (be).