Read each scenario and write a reaction
Your friend didn't apply for a promotion because they thought they weren't experienced enough. Today, they found out that someone with less experience got the job.
React using: should have
You should have applied anyway! You were much more qualified than the person they hired.
have / better / I / known / should / really
I really should have known better.
"I’m so sorry I’m late! I __________ taken a wrong turn at the roundabout."
a) should have b) must have c) ought to have
b) must have
I should have went to the dentist months ago, but I was too busy.
I should have GONE to the dentist months ago, but I was too busy.
Must have
Context: Your friend’s phone is dead, and they forgot their charger at home. They look very stressed.
They must have had a very long and stressful day.
Last night, you heard a loud "thud" in the kitchen. This morning, you found a broken plate on the floor, but the window was left open and your cat is hiding under the sofa.
React using: must have
The cat must have knocked the plate off the counter while chasing something.
they / signed / have / contract / can't / the / yet
They can't have signed the contract yet.
"You __________ told her the secret! Now the whole office knows about the surprise party."
a) shouldn't have b) can't have c) couldn't have
a) shouldn't have
He can't has seen the movie yet; it was only released in theaters this morning.
He can't HAVE seen the movie yet; it was only released in theaters this morning.
Shouldn't have
Context: You stayed up until 3:00 AM watching a series, and now you have a massive headache at work.
I shouldn't have stayed up so late watching TV.
A coworker tells you they saw the CEO flipping burgers at a local fast-food joint last night. You know for a fact the CEO is currently at a conference in Tokyo.
React using: can't have
You can't have seen him there; he's in Japan until Friday!
careful / have / more / ought / you / to / been
You ought to have been more careful.
"They __________ finished the construction already. They only started two days ago!"
a) must have b) ought to have c) can't have
c) can't have
They must had forgotten to lock the door.
They must HAVE forgotten to lock the door.
Can't have
Context: Someone says they saw your teacher at a nightclub in Ibiza yesterday, but you saw that same teacher in the school hallway this morning.
He can't have been in Ibiza yesterday if he is here today!
Your sister can't find her phone. She thinks she left it at the cinema, but she also remembers taking a photo while you were walking home in the dark.
React using: might have
You might have dropped it in the grass while we were walking home.
stuck / must / they / traffic / have / in / got
They must have got stuck in traffic.
"We __________ invited the neighbors to the BBQ. It was rude of us to leave them out."
a) might have b) ought to have c) must have
b) ought to have
We ought to have not spent so much money on that old car.
We ought NOT TO HAVE spent so much money on that old car.
Ought to have
Context: The team lost the project because they didn't double-check the client's requirements.
We ought to have checked the requirements more carefully.
Your company signed a contract with a supplier that has a terrible reputation, and now the supplies are late and poor quality.
React using: ought not to have
We ought not to have signed that deal without doing more research on their history.
report / she / written / might / the / already / have
She might have written the report already.
"I can't find my wallet anywhere. I __________ left it in the taxi, but I'm not 100% sure."
a) could have b) must have c) should have
a) could have
You shouldn't have told him the truth; it might have make him very upset.
You shouldn't have told him the truth; it might have MADE him very upset.
Could have
Context: Your brother didn't call you on your birthday. You are wondering if he simply forgot or if he was just too busy at his new job.
He could have forgotten my birthday because of his new job.