Modal perfect

Modal + have+ past

participle
May/might/could + have + past
participle

 When we are not sure what happened in

the past
I can’t find my mobile. I might have left it at
school.
Could have + past participle

 When we had the ability to do something

in the past but did not do it.
I could have borrowed a bicycle, but I decided
to walk instead.
Can’t have + past participle

 When we are sure that something did not

happen.
They can’t have closed the museum yet. It’s
too early.
Must have + past participle

When we are quite sure about a past

action.
My maths homework isn’t in my bag. I must
have left it at home.
Should / ought to have + past participle

 When expectations were not fulfilled

He should have / ought to have told us he
wasn’t coming.
 When a piece of advice was not taken.

You should have / ought to have been more

careful.