Should + Perfect Infinitive
This is a common way to express regret or criticism about a past event. The sentence expresses the opposite of what happened.
- Why did the pharmacy technician do that? He should have listened to the anatomy lecture. (He didn't listen to it.)
- Hospital food is terrible, and I am starving. I should have brought a lunch. (I didn't bring a lunch)
- I really should have stayed home today. I don't feel well. (I didn't stay home today.)
- He should have come to class yesterday. He missed a lot of new medical terms. (He didn't come to class yesterday.)
We also use this pattern to support our opinion or feelings.
- Wow, you should have seen his face! It was unbelievable! (You weren't with us, so you didn't see his face.)
- The clinic was fun yesterday. You should have been here! (You didn't come to the clinic, so you don't know about the fun clinic.)
- The surgery was successful. You should have seen it. (You didn't see it, so you didn't experience the successful surgery.)
Could + Perfect Infinitive
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