Could have意思

"Could have" is a modal verb phrase in English that expresses possibility or ability in the past. It is used to discuss actions that were possible but may or may not have occurred. Here are a few examples of how "could have" is used:

1. Describing past actions that were possible but did not happen:

   • You could have told me about the party earlier.
   • She could have studied more for the exam.

2. Expressing criticism or regret for actions that were not taken:

   • You could have helped me with my project.
   • He could have visited his grandmother more often.

3. Making suggestions or recommendations about actions that could have been taken in the past:

   • We could have chosen a better hotel for the trip.
   • They could have communicated their decision more clearly.

4. Asking questions about past possibilities:

   • Could you have gone to the concert last night?
   • Might she have known the answer to the question?

When using "could have," the focus is on the ability or opportunity to do something rather than the certainty of it happening. It is often used to speculate about past events or to discuss hypothetical scenarios.