should have eaten it vs must have eaten it

Both "should have eaten it" and "must have eaten it" are correct, but their meanings are slightly different. "Should have eaten it" implies a recommendation or expectation. Meanwhile, "must have eaten it" suggests a strong likelihood or conclusion. The choice between them depends on the intended emphasis or certainty in the context.

Explained by Jennifer
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: June 25, 2024 • 7241 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a recommendation or expectation regarding eating something in the past.

"should have eaten it"

Use "should have eaten it" when you want to convey that it would have been a good idea or the right thing to do to eat something in the past.

Examples:

You should have eaten it while it was still warm.
I should have eaten it before it went bad.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 27, 2024

Sep 17, 2023 ... ... ussop Edit: spelling. Upvote 1. Downvote Award Share. Gratitude34. • 1y ago •. Rebbaca should have eaten it. Upvote 1. Downvote Award Share.
I should have eaten it days ago. 2. The New York Times.
Nov 14, 2023 ... Join. Options. Report. What's the best way to reheat steak? (I know.. I know.. I should have eaten it all) . Upvote 2. Downvote 13 Go to ...
Behold, the blood was not brought into the inner sanctuary, but you should have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I was commanded that Ahron and his sons shall eat ...
There, poet Lisa Ortiz told the story of having seen a snipped-from-the-paper poem on her kitchen table and feeling that she should have eaten it. (I think ...
Mar 30, 2013 ... If so, you should have eaten it right away rather than putting it through all the other steps you mentioned. Can you give us a reference ...
May 12, 2004 ... when the cable is broken the motor should have "eaten" it. When opening the sunroof you push the switch on the top, pulling the the cable ...
May 29, 2008 ... Eat food, take pics.<BR>2. Post pics to lounge, wait for responses to all say "Yes, you should have eaten it. Thanks for pics!" ...
Jan 20, 2012 ... Well, technically, you should have eaten it by the 12th. If the cheese smells bad or is turning pink and/or moldy, it's no longer good ...
Sep 29, 2009 ... I should have eaten it days ago. It was too soft for a tart. If I puréed it, maybe I could use the liquid in a cake. As I started flipping ...

Alternatives:

could have eaten it
might have eaten it
would have eaten it
ought to have eaten it
had better have eaten it

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a strong likelihood or conclusion that someone ate something in the past.

"must have eaten it"

Use "must have eaten it" when you want to convey a high degree of certainty or a strong inference that someone ate something in the past.

Examples:

He must have eaten it because the plate is empty.
She must have eaten it; there are crumbs everywhere.

Show examples from the web [+]
Last updated: November 27, 2024

Mar 25, 2019 ... Why does the Paleo Diet avoid grains, but our ancient hunter and gatherer ancestors must have eaten it, since they also foraged a lot? I'm ...
Feb 24, 2024 ... When my husband wonders where our food went, I shake my head and tell him the kids must have eaten it. I do whatever I can to hide what I've ...
Mar 5, 2018 ... they must have eaten it - I'm guessing they surely ate it. And now I would say - I'm guessing they probably are it. they might eat it. they ...
Jun 4, 2020 ... So she must have eaten it and I'm really worried now. Liz47. Wise Old Thumper. Jun 3, 2020. #2. I had to Google, but seems to be like vet ...
Jan 24, 2016 ... We must have eaten it at least three or four times a week. I really owe this salad a lot: for providing me with autonomy and confidence in ...
... must have eaten it. I seen a small spludge of waterish jelly on the floor. Im not sure if he vomited it up or if it was anal leakage. It's a small amount. img.
Nov 28, 2017 ... Something sometime must have slipped and he must have eaten it while I was away. Last edited by a moderator: Dec 27, 2018. Like. Reactions ...
Jun 17, 2020 ... ... must have eaten it by the time they took this photo!). It's a very 1960s style but they apparently also liked antique furniture ...
Mar 11, 2021 ... He must have eaten it. I was worried because it looked like he was trying to spit it out. Click to expand... That's typical for Oscars ...
Jan 21, 2010 ... ... must have eaten it because the shell was empty :thumbdown: I did not try to raise any of the eggs or do anything differently them tiny Snail ...

Alternatives:

probably ate it
likely ate it
almost certainly ate it
surely ate it
undoubtedly ate it

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

should have eaten it vs must have eaten it

"should have eaten it"

"must have eaten it"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text