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My dear friends! Posting our grammar tests for rather long we see your main weak points. So, this week, we are posting two other tests.  Tanya will tell you about the gerund, while I will tell you a little about using the modal auxiliaries describing the past.

When we speak/write about the past (not the future past), we mostly use modals followed by the prefect/perfect progressive form of the infinitive. Let’s see, what they mean. I will use DO as a demonstrative verb.

COULD  HAVE  DONE may mean:

1. the lost chance:

He could have entered the university last year (but he didn't).

2. a kind of ironic reproach:

They could have invited us! (but they didn't).

3. Impossibility to do something having a desire to do it (in the negative form).

I couldn't have answered your question yesterday (I wanted, but a) I didn't have enough information; b) I didn't have time).

MIGHT HAVE DONE means POSSIBLY DID.

He might have meant that (but I doubt).

MUST HAVE DONE means MOST PROBABLY DID.

Her eyes were red. She must have been crying ( I was almost sure she had been crying for long).

SHOULD HAVE DONE means I had to do something, but I didn't.

I should have done it yesterday, but I was busy (I didn't do it).

Now, if we want to say that it was necessary to do something and it was done, we should use TO HAVE TO.

Sorry for callling off our date, but I had to be in the office. (and I was there)

Besides, if we know that something was scheduled or assigned and we don't know whether it took place, we usually use TO BE TO.

I know they were to meet (but I don't know if they did).

OUGHT TO HAVE DONE is almost the same as "should have done", but it is more sharp criticism.

I ought to have seen my friend before he died! (but I didn't)

WOULDN'T HAVE DONE means that something didn't work.

The lift wouldn't have worked yestreday.

There has been some theory. And now, I will ask you to rewrite the following sentences using the modal auxiliaries and their synonyms explained above.

1. It was necessary for me to see a dentist long ago, but I hate dentists.

2. I was waiting for her to call, but she didn't ( I feel bad, frustrated, she was able to do it, but she didn't!).

3. Most probably, she was at home, but didn't open the door.

4. He was able to get that job, but he did nothing for that.

5. He was obliged to provide for his kids, but he didn't.

6. It was necessary for me to talk to that person and I canceled all other assingments.

7. It was impossible to start an engine and he took his car to the car service.

8. He, possibly, called me, but I was out.

9. I knew, she agreed to have an interview that day.

10. I was not able to join you for tennis yesterday (but I wanted that so much!)

First of all, I'd like to hear your questions about the theory and your task if any.

Enjoy!

Dear Onee! You are right! I have to add an example.

The given sentence:

It was necessary for me to do it yesterday, but I was busy.

Your answer:

I should have done it yesterday, but I was busy.

Here are the answers:

1. I should have seen a dentist long ago, but I hate dentists.

2. She should (ought to) have called!

3. She must have been at home, but didn't open the door.

4. He could have gotten that job, but he did nothing for that.

5. He ought to have provided for his kids.

6. I had to talk to that person and I canceled all other assingments.

7. The engine wouldn't have started and he took his car to the car service.

8. He might have called me, but I was out.

9. I knew, she was to have an interview that day.

10. I couldn't have joined you for tennis yesterday.

Thank you for participating! I hope, you have learned something from this test.