"should have" vs "should of"

Question

"should have" vs "should of"

The correct phrase is 'should have.' 'Should of' is a common mistake due to the way it sounds when spoken, but it is grammatically incorrect. 'Should have' is the correct form to use in written English.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'should have' when expressing something that was expected or recommended in the past. It is the correct form of the modal verb 'should' followed by the base form of the verb 'have.'

Examples:

I should have called you earlier.
She should have studied more for the exam.

Alternatives:

should've
ought to have
could have
would have
might have

Answer 1

should have

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

should of

This phrase is incorrect in written English. It is a common mistake based on the way it sounds when spoken.

"should have" vs "should of"

should have

should of

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