Should and Shouldn't have

Should and Shouldn't have

In this lesson we are going to practice the structure of should have and shouldn’t have. 

Use

We use should have + past participle to talk about things we regret. 

I got really wet walking home last night, I should have taken an umbrella. 

The speaker did not take an umbrella when she went out last night so she got wet. She regrets that she did not take her umbrella. 

Regret is to feel sorry about something that happened or did not happen in the past. 

• I should have called you sooner.

• You should have spoken to me before deciding. 

• I'm really tired today. I should not have stayed awake so late last night. 

Subject + SHOULD / SHOULDN'T HAVE + main verb in past participle

The structure should have and shouldn’t have is used to reflect, show empathy or regret.

Look at the examples: 

 

• Fact 

• Robert is sleepy, and he has to study to take an exam tomorrow. 

• Reflection, empathy or regret

• He should have gone to bed early instead of playing video games with his friends. 

Look at the examples:

• Fact 

• John is sad as he failed an exam, as a result of that he has to take a course during the vacation to pass the subject and finish the semester 

• Reflection, empathy or regret 

• He shouldn’t have hung around with his friends every day instead of studying. 

Look at the examples:

• Fact 

• Peter and Sarah don’t have money to go on vacation; they are compulsive buyers and frequently face money problems. 

• Reflection, empathy or regret 

• They should have saved money by avoiding going shopping too frequently.

Multiple Choice

I've got a terrible headache. I … all that beer.

• shouldn't have drank

• shouldn't have drunk

Multiple Choice

I went to work yesterday, even though I felt ill. Today I feel even worse. I … .

• shouldn't have stayed at home

• should have stayed at home

Multiple Choice

My kids are so spoilt. I … stricter with them.

• should have been

• shouldn't have being

Multiple Choice

You didn't believe me, but I was telling the truth. You should … me

• have believing

• have believed

Multiple Choice

Mary only married Doug for his money. Now he thinks his friends ... .

• should have warned him about her

• should have warned her about him

Multiple Choice

He wasn't wearing his seatbelt, so he was injured in the crash. He should have … it

• worn

• wored