Could not have taken it v/s cannot have taken it?

[Karansardana]

I am very confused in regards to the correct usage of these two phrases, I am not able to judge where should I use which one, please help me with this.

[Alan]

Hi,

I think it is easier to understand if you change both to: (1) He was not able to have taken it and (2) He is not able to have taken it. In the first, reference is made to a past event = the inability to have taken it and the second refers to a present/recent event = the inability to have taken it.

In sentences we could say: He could not (couldn't) have taken it then/at that time/yesterday because it was in my safe at that time or He cannot (can't) have taken it this morning/today/now because it's here on my desk now

Hope that helps.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Present Simple

[Karansardana]

thanks a lot. It really helped me clear off my confusion.