The Complete Guide to “Should Have Been” Modal Verbs: Usage, Rules & Examples

Introduction to “Should Have Been”

The modal perfect construction “should have been” is a vital structure in English used to express regret, criticism, or unfulfilled expectations about past events. This construction helps discuss what was the right or expected course of action in hindsight. This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, grammatical rules, usage with Hindi translations, and practice exercises.

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Table of Contents

1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Should Have Been”
2. Grammatical Structures & Sentence Patterns
3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations
4. “Should Have Been” vs Similar Constructions
5. Common Errors & How to Avoid Them
6. Practice Exercises (Test Yourself)
7. Conclusion & Key Takeaways

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1. Core Meanings & Uses of “Should Have Been”

“Should have been” expresses:

• Regret About Past Actions (भूतकाल की पछतावा)
  Example: You should have been more careful. (आपको और सावधान रहना चाहिए था।)
• Unfulfilled Expectations (अधूरी अपेक्षाएँ)
  Example: The project should have been completed yesterday. (प्रोजेक्ट कल पूरा हो जाना चाहिए था।)
• Criticism of Past Decisions (भूतकाल के निर्णयों की आलोचना)
  Example: He should have been promoted last year. (उसकी पिछले साल पदोन्नति हो जानी चाहिए थी।)

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2. Grammatical Structures

Sentence Formation Rules

Sentence Type	Structure	Example	Hindi Translation
Affirmative	Subject + should have been + adjective/noun/past participle	The report should have been submitted.	रिपोर्ट जमा कर दी जानी चाहिए थी।
Negative	Subject + shouldn’t have been + adjective/noun	You shouldn’t have been rude.	आपको असभ्य नहीं होना चाहिए था।
Interrogative	Should + subject + have been + adjective/noun?	Should I have been present?	क्या मुझे उपस्थित रहना चाहिए था?

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3. 10 Practical Examples with Hindi Translations

S.No	English Example	Hindi Translation
1	The medicine should have been taken with food.	दवा भोजन के साथ ली जानी चाहिए थी।
2	You should have been more patient.	आपको और धैर्यवान होना चाहिए था।
3	The meeting should have been shorter.	बैठक छोटी होनी चाहिए थी।
4	He should have been informed earlier.	उसे पहले सूचित किया जाना चाहिए था।
5	Should the documents have been verified?	क्या दस्तावेजों को सत्यापित करना चाहिए था?
6	The warning shouldn’t have been ignored.	चेतावनी को नजरअंदाज नहीं करना चाहिए था।
7	She should have been the team leader.	उसे टीम लीडर बनना चाहिए था।
8	The food should have been refrigerated.	भोजन को फ्रिज में रखना चाहिए था।
9	They should have been more supportive.	उन्हें और सहायक होना चाहिए था।
10	This decision should have been reconsidered.	इस निर्णय पर पुनर्विचार करना चाहिए था।

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4. Key Differences: “Should Have Been” vs Similar Constructions

Construction	Certainty Level	Usage Context	Example
Should have been	High (expected action)	Unfulfilled duties/regrets	You should have been honest.
Could have been	Medium (possibility)	Missed opportunities	It could have been true.
Would have been	Certain (hypothetical)	Imagined past scenarios	I would have been happy.

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5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

 Incorrect: She should has been promoted.
 Correct: She should have been promoted.

 Incorrect: Should have he been present?
 Correct: Should he have been present?

 Incorrect: The work should been finished.
 Correct: The work should have been finished.

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6. Practice Exercises

Section 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. The application __________ submitted last week.
2. __________ the guests __________ informed earlier?
3. You __________ more understanding.
4. The mistake __________ avoided.
5. __________ the report __________ longer?

Section 2: Hindi to English Translation

6. तुम्हें समय पर पहुँचना चाहिए था।
7. क्या इसकी जाँच की जानी चाहिए थी?
8. उन्हें और मेहनत करनी चाहिए थी।
9. यह निर्णय अलग होना चाहिए था।
10. दवा नियमित ली जानी चाहिए थी।

Section 3: Error Correction

11. He should been more careful.
12. Should have they been notified?
13. The files should has been secured.
14. You shouldn’t been so harsh.
15. Should been the meeting postponed?

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7. Conclusion

“Should have been” is essential for expressing regret or criticism about past actions. Remember:

• Always use “have” (not “has”) after “should”
• Maintain proper word order in questions
• Use for both personal regrets and professional criticisms

For self-reflection or professional feedback, this construction is invaluable!