When to use should have or shouldn’t have

When to use should have or shouldn’t have

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Friday, November 18, 2016

Vol XCIII, No. 311

To regret about something that happened in the past

Situation: He had a discussion with his girlfriend and they drifted apart

To make a reflection about something that happened in the past

Situation: They didn't past their English exam, so they have to take the course again:

a. He should have listened to her to know what she wanted to say.

b. He shouldn’t have been so rude.

c. He should have tried to get in her shoes to know what she felt.

d. He shouldn’t have walked away without knowing what she wanted to talk about.

To show empathy

a. They should have studied and practiced as much as possible.

b. They shouldn't have played video games all day long.

c. They should have asked for help if necessary.

d. They shouldn't have hung out with his friends since he knew about the exam

Situation: She was very sad and alone in the hospital.

a. Her husband should have been with her to give support.

b. Her family shouldn’t have left her alone.

c. Her children should have visited her for cheering her up.

d. Her brothers and sisters shouldn’t have said that they had no time to visit her.