English (UK) · Modal Verbs

Should Have, Could Have, Must Have

To talk about the past with a modal verb, use modal + have + past participle (have told, have gone, have been).

should have: it was the right thing, but it didn't happen (regret, criticism): I should have studied harder.
shouldn't have: it happened, but it was wrong: You shouldn't have said that.
could have: it was possible, but it didn't happen: We could have taken a taxi.
must have: I'm sure it happened: It must have rained.
can't have: I'm sure it didn't happen: He can't have seen us.
might have: maybe it happened: I might have dropped it.

Always use the past participle: should have gone, not should have went.

Examples

You should (tell) me earlier! Now it's too late.Show answer

You should have told me earlier! Now it's too late.

I failed the test. I should (study) harder.Show answer

I failed the test. I should have studied harder.

We were late. We should (leave) home earlier.Show answer

We were late. We should have left home earlier.

It rained yesterday and I got wet. I should (bring) an umbrella.Show answer

It rained yesterday and I got wet. I should have brought an umbrella.

The party last night was great. You should (come)!Show answer

The party last night was great. You should have come!

I should (call) you yesterday. I'm sorry.Show answer

I should have called you yesterday. I'm sorry.

He should (go) to the doctor last week.Show answer

He should have gone to the doctor last week.

I shouldn't (eat) so much cake last night.Show answer

I shouldn't have eaten so much cake last night.

You shouldn't (say) that to her yesterday.Show answer

You shouldn't have said that to her yesterday.

We shouldn't (buy) that old car last year.Show answer

We shouldn't have bought that old car last year.