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8.6 Possibility and Logical Conclusions: Progressive

Modal (+ Not) + Have Been + Verb + -ing
Not Certain about Past Events

Could/May (Nof)/ We could have been experiencing a small earthquake. | felt the ground move.
Might (Noh) Stress at work might have been contributing to his health problems.

Certain about Past Events

Couldn't/Must (Not She couldn't have been lying. She always tells the truth.
ouldin'/Must (Nop He must not have been taking calls. | kept getting his voicemail.

To draw conclusions about a Rena might have been studying in the library last night. | know
continuing action in the past, she likes the peace and quiet there.
use a modal G@ not) + have Katie’s hair is wet. She must have been swimming.
been + verb + -ing.

8 Use the words in parentheses to write an answer for each question.

1. How could the archaeological site have been robbed? It was closed to visitors at
5:00 p.m. yesterday, right?

Yes, no one could have been touring the site after 5:OO.

(no one / could / tour / the site after 5:00)

2. The looters were familiar with the tour schedule. How is that possible?

(they / must / watch / the site / for several days)

3. It’s strange that the guard didn’t hear anything when the looters arrived.

(he / might not / pay / attention)

4. The looters knew exactly what they were doing. Why were they so successful?

(they / could / plan / the theft / for months)

5. It’s strange that the looters took only coins. Why didn’t they take anything else?

(they / might / plan / to return / for more things later)

6. It took a long time for the police to arrive at the site.

(they / must / have / trouble finding the site)

222 MODALS: PART 2
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