to say that it is possible that something happened before this moment, He could/might/may have gone round to Sue’s. He was talking about seeing her today., to talk about a (missed) opportunity., We could have taken an earlier flight. We were at the airport three hours early!, to say that it is likely or that we are certain that something has/hasn’t already happened., Jack must have received my card. I sent it a week ago., to say that something required or desired didn’t happen., You should have told me about Tim and you splitting up., unfulfilled obligation based on experience, I ought to have known that he’d forget our arrangement. He’s got a terrible memory., to show annoyance., She could/might have replied to my email!, to speculate or give an opinion without giving the full conditional form, You would have had a great time at the gig. (if you’d gone), predictions based on known information., The plane should have landed by now because it was only a two-hour flight.

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