grammar frame · neutral
modal + have + been + past participle
A modal verb + have + been + past participle expresses past passive speculation or deduction (e.g. 'must have been stolen').
Examples
“The documents must have been destroyed during the conflict.”
“The package could have been delayed by customs.”
“She might have been invited but couldn't attend.”
Band 8 sentence
“Recent satellite imagery suggests the wetland must have been severely degraded before the restoration project began.”
Collocations
- must have been
- could have been
- might have been
Common mistakes
could of been delayed→could have been delayed
must have be stolen→must have been stolen
Say it for a higher band
5might + V-ed→6could have + Vpp→7+modal + have + been + past participle
Synonyms
be reported to have + Vpp
seem/appear to have been + Vpp
Easily confused
modal + be + past participle
“The building must be repaired soon.”
Related words
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In The passive
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