Lesson 11: Modal Verbs + Have Been: Usage Guide

• Mubeen
• July 4, 2024
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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.