Blame and regret: should have

The two forms

• should + base verb → advice about the present or the future: You should eat more vegetables.
• should have + past participle → blame or regret about the past: You should have taken an umbrella.
• shouldn't have + past participle → criticism of a past action: You shouldn't have left the windows open.

Examples from the unit

• Fishermen should have prepared earlier for the changes in the sea.
• Citizens should have listened carefully to awareness campaigns in the past.
• The state should have invested in sea walls many years ago.

Quick check — with answers

1. You look tired. You … (go) to bed earlier. → should go
2. We … (help) him when he asked for support. → should have helped
3. It was raining. You … (take) an umbrella. → should have taken
4. She … (listen) to her teacher more carefully. → should have listened
5. You … (eat) more vegetables. They're good for you. → should eat