Express regrets about past actions​

 

THE PERFECT MODALS:

  1. SHOULD.
  2. MAY/MIGHT.
  3. COULD.
  4. WOULD.
  5. MUST.

REGRET Regret means to repent or lament and is followed by an ing verb to express this idea of repentance.

Subject + modal verbs + have + past participle + complement  

  • Would is used when we are certain of something, example:If I had worked hard, I would have passed the exam. It’s good he broke up with Anne. They wouldn’t have been happy together.
  • Could/May/Might are used for possibilities, example: You could have done better on your exam. They may have gone to the doctor last week. 
  • Must is used when we have a conclusions, example: She must have gone home early.
  • Should is used if we regret something, example: I should have drunk more water. He should have done the work.








Link: Should have - Could have - Would have - Exercise to learn English




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