should have

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   Used with a past participle to say that an action was right or expected in the past, but it did not happen.

   Grammar: Always followed by a past participle: should have called; the negative is should not have.

   Patterns

   • should have + past participle
   • should have done something
   • should not have done something

   You should have told me you were coming to town.

   We should have booked the tickets much earlier.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   Used to say that something was expected or very likely to have happened or been true in the past.

   Grammar: Followed by a past participle, often in sentences about expectations that may not have been met.

   Patterns

   • should have arrived by now
   • should have been
   • should have received

   The train should have arrived over an hour ago.

   There should have been a confirmation email waiting for you.

Common combinations

should have known

I should have known better than to trust the weather forecast.

should have been

The match should have been an easy win for the home team.

should have told someone

You should have told your manager you were feeling unwell.

Synonyms and how they differ

ought to have

Has exactly the same meaning and grammar; ought to have sounds slightly more formal or old-fashioned than should have.

Word family

should modal verb

the modal used for advice, obligation, and expectation

Commonly confused: should have or should of?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “should have”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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