Lesson Content
Grammar Focus
Modals of Past Obligation and Missed Opportunities
We use should have, could have, and ought to have followed by a past participle to talk about actions that didn’t happen in the past. These modal structures help us express regret, give advice after the fact, or describe missed opportunities.
Form:
Modal (should / could / ought to) + have + past participle
The past participle is the third form of the verb: gone, done, eaten, studied, arrived, etc.
Meaning and Use:
- should have → the right or expected thing to do, but it didn’t happen (often regret).
- could have → something was possible or available, but it didn’t happen (a missed chance).
- ought to have → similar in meaning to “should have,” but slightly more formal.
These forms allow speakers to reflect on the past and comment on what would have been better or different.
Negative Forms:
To express what was wrong to do, use:
- should not have (shouldn’t have)
- ought not to have (less common, more formal)
⚠️ Note: We generally avoid using “couldn’t have” for missed opportunities, because it usually expresses impossibility, not regret.
✅ Examples:
• I should have called my mom yesterday.
• You could have gone to the concert with us.
• He ought to have studied more before the test.
• We shouldn’t have ignored the directions.
• She ought not to have spoken so harshly.
⚠️ Common Errors:
❌ I should to have gone.
✔️ I should have gone.
❌ He ought to has studied.
✔️ He ought to have studied.
❌ She could have to come.
✔️ She could have come.
Using these structures correctly will help you talk about real-life decisions and reflect thoughtfully in both formal and casual conversation.
🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking
Talking about what people should have or could have done is a key part of real-world conversations—especially when expressing feelings, giving feedback, or explaining past decisions.
You’ll hear and use these expressions in many daily situations:
🔹 Apologizing or explaining:
• “Sorry! I should have emailed you earlier.”
• “I could have helped if you had asked.”
🔹 Giving feedback:
• “You should have double-checked your work.”
• “He ought to have waited before replying.”
🔹 Telling stories and lessons learned:
• “We could have avoided the problem by leaving sooner.”
• “I should have taken an umbrella—it rained all day!”
🔹 Listening tip:
Native speakers often contract modals:
• “should’ve,” “could’ve,” “might’ve,” and “ought to’ve”
• Example: “I should’ve called.” = “I should have called.”
Learning this grammar helps you understand emotional tone, recognize hints of regret or advice, and respond appropriately in personal or professional conversations.
Let’s Practice
Language Game
Now, practice your language skills with this interactive game.
🎧🗣️ Listening & Speaking Practice Questions
Talk About Missed Opportunities
We use “should have,” “could have,” and “ought to have” to talk about things we didn’t do, but maybe wish we had. Use these phrases to practice talking about past decisions.
🔹 Daily Regrets:
What is something small you should have done yesterday?
➤ For example: “I should have gone to bed earlier because I have an important meeting today.”
🔹 Past Possibilities:
What is something fun you could have done last weekend?
➤ For example: “I could have gone hiking with my friends.”
🔹 Advice for Others:
Think about a friend. What should he or she have done last week?
➤ For example: “He should have studied more for his test.”
🔹 Learning from Experience:
Talk about a time when you learned from a mistake.
➤ For example: “I should have saved more money before the trip.”
🔹 Family Stories:
Share something your parents or family often say you should have done.
➤ For example: “My dad says I should have called him more.”
🔹 Missed Events:
What is something you didn’t do, but now wish you had?
➤ For example: “I could have joined the soccer team.”
🔹 Positive Reflection:
Is there something you didn’t do—and you’re glad you didn’t?
➤ For example: “I almost bought an expensive phone, but I didn’t. I should have waited, and I did!”