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Should have, could have, needn’t have
B2 B2 grammar · lesson 11 of 21
This lesson teaches you how to talk about past mistakes, missed chances and things that were not necessary. These forms are very useful for giving advice and talking about regrets.
Should have / shouldn’t have
Use should have + past participle to say that something was the right thing to do, but it did not happen. Use shouldn’t have for something wrong that did happen. We use these for regrets and criticism. Ought to have has the same meaning but is more formal.
I should have brought an umbrella. Now I’m wet.
You shouldn’t have shouted at him. He was only trying to help.
We should have booked a table. The restaurant is full.
Could have
Use could have + past participle for a past possibility or chance that was not used. It can also show criticism: you had a chance to do something, but you didn’t.
You could have told me you were coming! I would have cooked.
Tom could have won the race, but he fell.
It was dangerous. You could have hurt yourself.
Would have shows what we were ready to do if things had been different: I would have helped, but nobody asked me.
Needn’t have or didn’t need to?
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| needn’t have + past participle | you did it, but it was not necessary | I needn’t have cooked. They had already eaten. |
| didn’t need to + infinitive | it was not necessary (usually you didn’t do it) | I didn’t need to cook, so I read a book. |
Leo needn’t have taken a taxi. The station was very close.
We didn’t need to wait. The doctor saw us at once.
Common mistakes
✗ I should studied more for the test.
✓ I should have studied more for the test.
✗ You could have call me.
✓ You could have called me.
✗ I needn’t to have bought milk.
✓ I needn’t have bought milk.
✗ She shouldn’t have went to bed so late.
✓ She shouldn’t have gone to bed so late.
In fast speech, should have sounds like should’ve and could have like could’ve. Do not write should of or could of.