Modal Verbs + Have Been: Usage Guide

When you see phrases like “will have been,” you are expected to use similar structures following them. These structures include a noun phrase, prepositional phrase, adjective, verb’s -ing form, or verb’s 3rd form (passive structure). Similarly, we use these structures with all modals:

Modal Verbs with Noun Phrases

  • May have been a great doctor.
  • Might have been a player.
  • Could have been a doctor.
  • Shall have been a helper.
  • Will have been a businessman.
  • Would have been a teacher.
  • Should have been a banker.
  • Must have been a student.

Modal Verbs with Adjectives

  • May have been angry.
  • Might have been busy.
  • Could have been happy.
  • Would have been expensive.
  • Must have been shocked.
  • Should have been interested.

Modal Verbs with Prepositional Phrases

  • May have been in the car.
  • Might have been with her family.
  • Could have been at home.
  • Must have been in a meeting.
  • Will have been behind the scenes.

Modal Verbs with Verb's -ing Form

  • May have been writing.
  • Might have been eating.
  • Could have been reading.
  • Must have been doing business.
  • Should have been going.

Modal Verbs with Verb's 3rd Form

  • May have been invited by the teacher.
  • Could have been told by her mother.
  • Might have been asked to leave the class.
  • Must have been informed.
  • Would have been received.
  • Should have been sent.

By following these structures, you can ensure your usage of modal verbs is both accurate and grammatically correct.

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