Past Modals
Reword the sentence using a past modal: I imagine you were delighted when you got the job.
You must have been delighted when you got the job.
The police have ___ power to search you without your permission.
The police have the power to search you without your permission.
I was very bor__ during the movie.
This chapter of the book is very bor___.
I was very bored during the movie.
This chapter of the book is very boring.
He is becoming very annoying.
He’s becoming a pain in the neck.
He’s making me nuts.
They're too stubborn to tell each other. Anyone can see that they're in love.
They're too stubborn to tell each other. Obviously, they're in love.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: I think Carol went away last weekend, but I'm not sure.
Carol may have / might have / could have gone away last weekend, but I'm not sure.
I can't describe ____ happiness I felt when our son was born.
I can't describe the happiness I felt when our son was born.
After a long day of work, Sally was exhaust__.
Samuel felt very challeng__ by his new class.
After a long day of work, Sally was exhausted.
Samuel felt very challenged by his new class.
I’m unable to decide about the situation—do I break up or wait for him?
I’m of two minds about the situation—do I break up or wait for him?
In a perfect situation, I would start my family at 30.
Ideally, I would start my family at 30.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: It was foolish to get a joint bank account with your boyfriend.
You shouldn't have gotten a joint bank account with your boyfriend.
Wind power is ___ sustainable energy source.
Wind power is a sustainable energy source.
His book about his travels was very inspir__.
You look confus__. Can I help?
His book about his travels was very inspiring.
You look confused. Can I help?
I’ve learned to become independent and make my own decisions.
I’ve learned to stand on my own two feet and make my own decisions.
Their company's idea was good. It's a shame that they can't find investors.
Their company's idea was good. Unfortunately, they can't find investors.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: Perhaps we bought too much food for the party.
We may have / might have / could have bought too much food for the party.
___ high school education begins at age 13-14 in Canada.
∅ High school education begins at age 13-14 in Canada.
This is a very demand__ time for students.
The coach's instructions were confus__.
This is a very demanding time for students.
The coach's instructions were confusing.
My best friend just became a captain for the hockey team and he’s been feel more important than everyone else ever since then.
My best friend just became a captain for the hockey team and he’s been on an ego trip ever since then.
Marie is excellent at math. It makes sense that her son is excellent at math too.
Marie is excellent at math. Naturally, her son is excellent at math too.
Reword the sentence using a past modal: It was a mistake to move in with your best friend.
You shouldn't have moved in with your best friend.
Do you have ___ experience working with children?
Do you have ∅ experience working with children?
Robert is interest__ in fantasy books.
Completing a project is very satisfying.
Robert is interested in fantasy books.
It seems my sibling will do whatever is necessary to look good in front of our parents.
It seems my sibling will go to any lengths to look good in front of our parents.
He has the most experience. Certainly, he's the best candidate.