should
Used to say that something is the right thing to do.
Used to indicate what is proper, expected, or required.
Used to tell someone what you think is a good idea.
Used to suggest that something is a good idea or the best choice.
Used to say you think something will probably happen.
Used to express that something is likely or expected to happen.
Used to talk about what would happen if something else happens.
Used in conditional sentences to talk about something that might happen or be true under certain conditions.
Used in formal English to show surprise in some sentences.
Used in formal contexts in subordinate clauses after expressions like 'it is strange that' to emphasize surprise or unexpectedness.
- Base: should
- 3rd Person Singular: shoulds
- Present Participle: shoulding
- Past: shoulded
- Past Participle: shoulded
should have known better
1Regret doing something unwise in past
Used to say someone made a mistake they could have avoided because they had enough experience or information.
- I shouldn't have trusted him; I should have known better.
- She got sunburned again — she should have known better.
should you wish to...
1Polite conditional offer or option
A formal way to say 'if you want to'.
- Should you wish to cancel your booking, please contact us within 24 hours.
- Should you wish to discuss this further, my office is open all week.
shouldn't have done [something]
1Say past action was wrong/unwise
Used to say it was a bad idea to do something in the past.
- I shouldn't have said that to her.
- You shouldn't have eaten so much cake.