Complete Guide to Using “I should have + (past participle)” in English

The phrase “I should have + past participle” expresses regret or realization about past actions that were not taken. This construction helps communicate reflections on missed opportunities or mistakes.

“I should have” Usage Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation	Context
1	I should have gone with you.	मुझे तुम्हारे साथ जाना चाहिए था।	Missed opportunity
2	I should have studied more for my test.	मुझे अपनी परीक्षा के लिए और पढ़ना चाहिए था।	Academic regret
3	I should have read the directions before starting.	मुझे शुरू करने से पहले निर्देश पढ़ने चाहिए थे।	Preparation regret
4	I should have eaten breakfast this morning.	मुझे आज सुबह नाश्ता करना चाहिए था।	Daily routine mistake
5	I should have listened to your advice.	मुझे आपकी सलाह माननी चाहिए थी।	Ignored advice
6	I should have married her when I had the chance.	मुझे मौका मिलने पर उससे शादी कर लेनी चाहिए थी।	Life decision regret
7	I should have called you yesterday.	मुझे कल तुम्हें फोन करना चाहिए था।	Communication lapse
8	I should have saved more money.	मुझे और पैसे बचाने चाहिए थे।	Financial regret
9	I should have taken that job offer.	मुझे वह नौकरी का प्रस्ताव स्वीकार कर लेना चाहिए था।	Career reflection
10	I should have apologized sooner.	मुझे जल्दी माफ़ी माँग लेनी चाहिए थी।	Relationship reflection

“Shall” Future Tense Examples

Sno	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	I shall leave tomorrow.	मैं कल रवाना होऊँगा/होऊँगी।
2	I shall finish the job next week.	मैं अगले हफ्ते काम पूरा कर दूँगा/दूँगी।
3	I shall see it tomorrow.	मैं कल इसे देखूँगा/देखूँगी।
4	I shall go outside if it’s nice out.	मैं बाहर जाऊँगा/जाऊँगी अगर मौसम अच्छा होगा।
5	I shall pay for this later.	मैं इसके लिए बाद में भुगतान करूँगा/करूँगी।

Key Grammar Rules

• Structure:
  • “Should have” + past participle (for past regrets)
  • “Shall” + base verb (for future intentions)
  •  Correct: “I should have visited them.”
  •  Incorrect: “I should have visit them.”
• Negative Form:
  • “I shouldn’t have said that.”
  • Example of regret about an action taken
• Question Form:
  • “Should I have called earlier?”
  • For seeking opinion about past actions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 “I should had gone earlier.”
 “I should have gone earlier.” (use base form after “have”)

 “I should to have studied more.”
 “I should have studied more.” (no “to” after “should”)

 “I shall to go tomorrow.”
 “I shall go tomorrow.” (no “to” after modal verbs)

Cultural Usage Notes

• Regret Expressions:
  • Common in reflective conversations (“I should have known better”)
• Formal vs Informal:
  • “Shall” is more formal than “will” in modern English
• Indian Context:
  • “Should have” often used with “only” for emphasis
  • “Shall” is commonly used in legal/formal documents