Quick English Grammar

Could(n't) (past of can): only for general past, possibility/ability/permission

Possibility: We could see the lake from our hotel window.

Ability: She could run 100 metres in 11 seconds.

Permission: We could stay up late

Was/were able to = could: general possibility/ability

Possibility: We were able to see the lake from our hotel.

Ability: She could run 100 metres in 11 seconds

Was/were able to = managed to: specific situation

We were able to save everyone from the fire.

We managed to stay awake until the end of the party.

Couldn't: all negative situations

We couldn't save everyone from the fire.

We couldn't stay up late.

Had to

Obligation (lack of choice): I had to work until 7.30.

Had to

In laws: The law said all workers had to pay tax.

Strong recommended: She told me I (just) had to read that book.

Important: My tooth hurt so much I had to go to the dentist.

Wasn't/Weren't allowed to (passive form)

I was not allowed to play with fire.

Didn't have to = didn't need to

(free choice): We didn't have to go. It was up to us.

You didn't need to go to the lecture.

Would(n't)

Promise: She said she would finish the report by Monday.

Refusal: She wouldn't agree to marry me.

Would (special use) = used to ≠ didn't use to

Old habit one no longer has: I used to go to bed far too late.

When I lived in Thailand I would often work all night.

./.

./.

Could have (done): possible actions that didn't happen

Possible actions: Actions (finished of unfinished) that didn't happen:

We could have gone to the party (but we didn't).

Fantasy: I could have stayed here forever.

Fantasy: I wish I could have stay a little longer.

Must have (done) ≠ can't have (done) = couldn't have (done)

Certainly: He must/can't have been the thief.

May(n't) have (done) = might(n't) have (done) = could have (done)

50/50: His story may/might/could have been true.

Might(n't) have (done)

Fantasy: George Bush might have been a zombie in 1975.

Needn't have (done)

Wasn't necessary but did it:

I needn't have taken the umbrella because it didn't rain.

Should(n't) have (done) = ought to / ought not to have (done)

Right thing: You were tired. You should have gone to bed.

With „I think ...“, „Do you think ...“, „I don't think ...“:

I think I should have told her about the snake in the loo!

Expectations: They should have been here by 7 p.m..

Something was wrong: It should have cost EUR 10, not EUR 1,000!

Would(n't) have (done)

Fantasy: I would have stayed in Thailand if I'd had the chance.

Will ≠ won't have (done)

To say what is: „John will have answered the phone by now.“

Sure to have: „ St. Pauli will have already won by now.“

Finished: „Lara's birthday party will have finished.“

She is said to have been married six times.

He is reported to have been hiding somewhere in Hamburg.

She was expected to have paid the salaries last week.