openMind Level 3

Unit 11 Grammar 1

SHOULD/SHOULDN'T
HAVE
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

1. Are the two speakers talking about the past or the

present?
2. What is the situation they are talking about?
3. Can you notice an error?

A: You shouldn't
have cheated on
the exam.

B: I know. I should studied

more.
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

1. Which form do we use to talk about things that did

happen in the past? shouldn't have
2. Which form do we use to talk about things that didn't
happen in the past? should have

I should have left I shouldn't have He should

earlier. I'm going to said that. I'm have reported
be late! sorry. the theft to
the police
He shouldn't have stolen
the CD if he didn't want I should have
to get in trouble. told you sooner.
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

We should have packed warmer clothes.

It's really cold here!

You shouldn't have sat there. Didn't

you know that table was reserved?

Verb phrases with should/shouldn't have are formed with

________
three words.
The pattern is:
past participle
should/shouldn't + have + _______________.
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

Pattern Examples

should have told (tell)

You _______________
should have + her how you felt.
past participle
when should have left (leave)
We ________________
earlier. We're going to be late!
shouldn't have cheated
You _____________________
shouldn't have + (not cheat) on the exam!
past participle
which/that shouldn't have packed (not pack)
I _____________________
so much—this bag is heavy!
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

I shouldn’t have
lied to you. I'm You should have taken
sorry. out insurance on your
phone.
We shouldn't have
parked illegally.

We use should/shouldn't have to…

a. express uncertainty about things that people did or
didn't do
b. express regret about things we did or didn't do
c. criticize things that people did or didn't do
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

Watch Out!
should have called
1. I should call my landlord about the dishwasher.
Then he could have fixed it.
shouldn’t have sold
2. You shouldn't sell your car. We really need it now!
should have had
3. I should had breakfast this morning. I’m so
hungry!
shouldn’t have
4. We should haven’t moved to this town. I prefered
the city.
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

Other examples using should/shouldn't have:

• You should have told her how you felt.

• We should have left earlier—we're going to be late.
• I shouldn't have packed so much. My bag is really
heavy!
• You shouldn't have cheated. You should have
prepared better for the exam.
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

Make notes about things you did in the past

and feel bad about now, and things you didn't
do in the past, but now wish you had done.

I shouldn't have cheated in that exam—I feel

terrible about it.
I should have started playing the piano
sooner—I love it!
 SHOULD/SHOULDN'T HAVE

Grammar wrap-up

1. What type of verb form is should have?

2. How would you use should/shouldn't have in

real-life situations?

3. What errors could be made when using these

phrases?