En

Modal verbs in the past (could have, should have, might have)

B1 (Intermediate)

Rule details

Modal verbs in the past (could have, should have, might have)

B1 (Intermediate)

1. How they are formed

could have + V3
should have + V3
might have + V3

These forms describe unrealized past possibilities, advice, or assumptions.

2. When to use

  • Could have: a possible action/result in the past that did not happen.
  • Should have: criticism or advice about past actions.
  • Might have: uncertain possibility about the past.

3. Examples

Could have:

I could have gone to the party, but I stayed home.

Should have:

You should have called me earlier.

Might have:

She might have missed the train.

4. Differences and notes

Could have vs Might have

Could have often implies ability/possibility; might have stresses uncertainty.

Should have

Used when someone did not do what was expected or advisable.

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