Should Have Been Meaning?
Andrew Mclaughlin
Updated on January 23, 2026
Use “should have been” to express what you think should have happened, but did not happen. Often, you'll hear this phrase used in arguments or regrets about the past. For example: “You should not have lied to me!” “You should have been more careful!”
Should have been sentences examples?
Should Have + Past Participle
- I got really wet walking home last night, I should have taken an umbrella.
- I should have called you sooner.
- You should have spoken to me before deciding.
- Sarah talked all the way through the movie. ...
- I'm really tired today. ...
- I shouldn't have shouted at her.