Use perfect modals to express feelings and beliefs about past actions and events: Regrets or judgments: should have + past participle

Use perfect modals to express feelings and beliefs about past actions and events: Regrets or judgments: should have + past participle

1. I should have studied medicine. (But unfortunately, I didn't)
2. She shouldn't have divorced Sam. (But unfortunately, she did.)

Possibility: may have/might have + past participle I may (OR might) have failed the final exam. It was really hard. He may (OR might) not have been able to make a living as a painter.

Ability (OR possibility): could have + past participle He was the driver. He could have prevented the accident.

The museum was closed, but she couldn't have known that. It's usually open on Tuesdays.

Certainty: would have past participle You should have gone to Rio. You would have loved it.

It's good he broke up with Anne. They wouldn't have been happy together.

Conclusions: must have+ past participle Beth isn't here. She must have gone home early.