Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
should've
Contraction
ˈʃʊdəv
Definition
Should’ve is a contraction of ‘should have,’ commonly used in informal speech and writing to express an expectation or a missed opportunity or decision.
Examples
- I should’ve called you yesterday, but I forgot.
- They should’ve taken the warning seriously.
- She should’ve studied harder for the exam.
Meaning
It implies that something was expected to happen but did not, reflecting regret or a hypothetical situation.
Synonyms
- ought to have
- had better
- was supposed to
