Meaning
"I should have" can mean something that would have been a good idea, but that you didn't do it. It's like giving advice about the past when you say it to someone else, or regretting what you did or didn't do when you're talking about yourself.
Today's Sentences
- I should have apologized.
- I should have ordered a drink.
- I should have eaten breakfast.
- I should have gone to bed earlier.
- I should have worn my other swimsuit.
- Writer's Note
01
I should have apologized.
Situation 1
Have you seen Anna?
You just missed her.
She left to go home.
I should've apologized.
Why?
Did something happen?
Situation 2
Do you know what the worst feeling is?
Tell me please.
Feeling like, “I should have apologized.”
Are you saying I should say sorry before it’s too late?
02
I should have ordered a drink.
Situation 1
How was your steak?
It was perfect. Thank you.
Are you ready for the bill?
Yes, I should've ordered a drink but it’s ok.
Situation 2
This Greek Chicken Pita Wrap is amazing!
It’s really tasty.
I should've ordered a drink.
Me too.
I could really use a drink right now.
03
I should have eaten breakfast.
Situation 1
What’s that sound?
It was my stomach.
I should’ve eaten breakfast.
Do you wanna grab an early lunch?
I’d love that.
Situation 2
I’m so hungry.
Me too.
I should've eaten breakfast.
I skipped breakfast because I slept in.
Me too!
04
I should have gone to bed earlier.
Situation 1
Is it just me or do you look tired today?
I stayed up late talking to my girlfriend.
Talking or arguing?
Our conversation turned into an argument.
I should have gone to bed earlier.
Situation 2
Have you seen the series on E-TV?
I was up all night catching up on the series.
I should have gone to bed earlier.
Isn’t it a good show?
Very thrilling and so many twists!
05
I should have worn my other swimsuit.
Situation 1
Are you ready to go for a swim?
Yes, let’s go.
Everyone is so dressed up!
I should have worn my other swimsuit.
Situation 2
I should've worn my other swimsuit.
Why? You look amazing.
The other swimsuit was trendier.
This one is just as eye-catching.
Writer's Note
"should have" + past participle = talk about actions we regret.
(To regret = to feel bad about something that happened or did not happen in the past.)
Today's sentences show the "should have" + past participle structure!
- I should have apologized.
- I should have ordered a drink.
- I should have eaten breakfast.
- I should have gone to bed earlier.
- I should have worn my other swimsuit.
Remember that "should have" = "should've" sounds like /ˈʃʊd.əv/
Create your own "should have" sentences and show them off in the comment section! ⭐You're doing great, way to go!⭐
