In this English video lesson, you will learn how to use ‘should have’ in English. There are lots of examples to help you truly understand it.
Watch in HD!
Share the video with your friends, and then read the article below…
How to Use ‘Should Have’ with Examples
First, we use should have to give recommendations / advice for past actions. For example, I went to a party that was fantastic. My friend didn’t come. I say to him:
- “You should have come to the party with us, it was great!”
We also use it for regrets. If I say something that is rude to one of my friends, later I will say:
- “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
And finally, we use it to speculate about events. For example, imagine that I send a party invitation to a friend but I haven’t received a reply. I say:
- “He should have received it by now.”
The Difference Between ‘Should’ and ‘Should Have’
We use ‘should’ for present and future actions. We use ‘should have’ for past actions. Imagine my friend wants to book a hotel. He sees one that he likes. I say:
- “You should book that hotel soon!”
He doesn’t do it. So, I say:
- “See… you should have booked that hotel sooner.”
