After some verbs (e.g. mean, be, would like), perfect infinitives can refer to 'unreal' past situations that are the opposite of what really happened.
With would like, would prefer and one or two other verbs, a double perfect infinitive is sometimes used in informal speech; the extra perfect infinitive does not change the meaning.
- I meant to have telephoned, but I forgot. (OR I meant to telephone .. .)
- He was to have been the new ambassador, but he fell ill.
- I wish I'd been there — I would like to have seen Harry's face when Nan walked in.
With would like, would prefer and one or two other verbs, a double perfect infinitive is sometimes used in informal speech; the extra perfect infinitive does not change the meaning.
- I would have liked to have seen Harry's face.
