Use of 'Should Have' in English Grammar

We can use 'should have' to talk about past events
that did not happen.

• She should have sent everybody a reminder by
email.
• We should have remembered that our guests don't
eat eggs.

We can also use 'should have' to speculate about
events that may or may not have happened.

• Harry should have arrived at his office by now. Let's
give him a call.
• They should have all read that first email by this
week. It's time to send the second one.

We can use ' should not have' to speculate negatively
about what may or may not have happened.

• Peter shouldn't have left work yet. I'll contact him in
his office.
• They shouldn't have boarded their plane yet. We can
probably still catch them.

We can also use 'should not have' to regret past actions.

• I shouldn't have shouted at you. I apologize.
• They shouldn't have treated him so badly. He was the
most talented and creative person in their team.

 

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