Modals+perfect infinitives

We can use some modal verbs with have+past participle to talk about past events.

Can't have+past participle:

We use can't have+past participle to express an impossibility in the past.

• I can't have made a good impression because he hasn't phoned.

Could have+past participle:

We use could have+past participle to suggest an alternative past action, even though it is now too late.

• We could have invited her to the party, but we all forgot.

Could/may/migth have+past participle:

We use might, may or could have+past participle to talk about something that was possible in the past.

• He might/may/could have phoned.

Must have+past participle:

We use must have+past participle to express a certainty or to make a logical deduction about the past.

• He must have felt terrible when he saw how upset she was.

Should have+past participle:

We use should have+past participle to give an opinion about past events, even though it is now too late.

• I was worried-he should have called me.

Shouldn't have+past participle:

We use shouldn't have+past participle to express regret or criticism about past events.

• You shouldn't have lied to me!