![[B+] He Might Have Forgotten the Time](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/AYOi2p4GyXiDSwqgHcGNM/c59a62c87e3425f4f756e7146f4db48b/GENERAL_ENGLISH_1_NEW-01.png)
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
Situation:
Coworkers Sally and Ken are waiting for Alex who is late for the conference.
Sally
Ken
Yeah, but I think we have a problem.
Sally
What is it? Please don't tell me anything that can ruin this event.
Ken
Perhaps it can. You asked Alex to be here around 8:00, didn't you?
Sally
Of course! What time is it now?
Ken
It's almost 9:00. I wonder what happened, I'm worried about him.
Sally
How about calling him? He might have forgotten the time.
Ken
I already did and I couldn't reach him. He must have turned off his cellphone. My calls keep going straight to his voicemail.
Sally
This is a disaster! Only he, as the main speaker, is capable of explaining the data and files we have assembled.
Ken
What should we do then? The event will start 30 minutes from now.
Sally
I hope he didn't run into any issues while driving. His car could have broken down or he might have been stuck in a gridlock.
Ken
What if he had merely forgotten and carried out another task today?
Sally
That's ridiculous! He couldn't have forgotten, and besides, he has been putting this together for a very long time. I also spoke with him about this just a few days ago. I guess we should start without him. You can give the welcome address. And I'll wait for Tom here.
Ken
Why me? I don't think I can do that! I can't muster up the courage to speak in front of an audience.
Sally
We work here for this reason. You have to conquer your fear.
Ken
Oh thank heavens! Here comes Alex.
Alex
Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late. I had an emergency.
Sally
Oh. Nothing serious I hope.
Alex
Well, I was just about to leave when my dog Bruno started acting strange. Then he just passed out.
Sally
Oh, my gosh!
Alex
I had to rush to the emergency clinic. The vet said it was some kind of virus. So she gave him an injection, and I had to leave him with her. I'll go by later and pick him up.
But is he OK? I hope he's alright.
QUESTION
1. Who is the main speaker of the conference?
2. What does Sally think could have happened to Alex?
3. Why was it impossible for Alex to forget the event?
4. Why was Alex late?
LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚
A. Past modals for degrees of certainty
Modals of Certainty |
|
It's almost certain |
|
- They must have left the house already. |
|
- He must not have turned off the air conditioner. |
|
It's not possible |
|
- He couldn't have been at the restaurant. |
|
Modals of Possibility |
|
It's possible |
|
- She may/might have forgotten the time. |
|
- She may/might not have remembered the time. |
|
- Her car could have broken down. |
|
- NOTES
-
-
Past modals of Certainty ( must have / couldn't have )
- used when we are almost certain
- "couldn't have" is more certain than "mustn't have"
📍 Subject + must (not) / couldn't + have + past participle
-
Past modals of Possibility ( may have / might have / could have )
- used when something is possible in the past, but we don't know for sure
📍 Subject + may/might / could (not) + have + past participle
-
A1: Read each situation and choose the best explanation.
| SITUATION |
|---|
1. My friend is strapped for cash again..... |
2. Jerry was suspended from his part time job.... |
B. Past modals for opinions and advice
Giving opinions | Giving advice |
|---|---|
You should have called him on the phone. | You could have been more considerate. |
She shouldn't have kept your files this long. | I would have borrowed someone else's shoes. |
You shouldn't have used your car. | I wouldn't have lent them to him. |
- NOTES
-
-
Giving opinions ( should have )
- used to express your opinion about what the person needed to do or avoid doing in the past
📍 Subject + should (not) + have + past participle
-
Giving advice ( would have / could have )
- used when imagining a hypothetical situation happening and what you would have done differently
📍 Subject + would/could (not) + have + past participle
-
B1. Complete the conversation using past modals with the verbs given.
1.
I invited my American fiance over to meet my parents for the first time, but he arrived wearing shorts and slippers. It was so informal!
Well, he (dress) nicely. I (ask) him to wear something more presentable.
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
A. COMPLETING CONVERSATIONS WITH MODALS
Direction: Complete the conversations with past modals "must (not) have," "could (not) have," or "may/might (not) have." Use the degrees of certainty and the verbs in parentheses.
1.
What's wrong with Shane? She looks so down.
Oh, you the sad news. Her dog passed away.
(it's almost certain- not hear)
2.
I went to visit the new boutique today, but no one was there.
Were the lights on? If so, they somewhere for their break.
(it's possible- go)
3.
Chelsie said she was going to attend the conference yesterday, but I didn't see her.
Neither did I. She there then. (it's not possible - not be)
B. WHAT SHOULD THEY HAVE DONE?
Directions: Listen to descriptions of three situations. What would have been the best thing to do in each situation?
1. Dennis
a. He did the right thing.
b. He should have called a tow truck.
c. Dennis should have called a locksmith.
2. Diana
a. She did the right thing.
b. Diana should have turned up her radio to keep out the noise.
c. She should have called the neighbors to see what was happening.
3. Simon
a. He did the right thing.
b. He should have taken the ring and called the police when he got home.
c. Simon should have taken the ring and put an ad in the newspaper.
The conference is about to start and the participants are all set.