"that should never have been" vs "who should never have been"

Question

"that should never have been" vs "who should never have been"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "That should never have been" is used when referring to things or objects, while "who should never have been" is used when referring to people or living beings.

Last Updated: March 17, 2024

This phrase is used to express regret or disapproval about something that should not have existed or happened.

Examples:

That decision should never have been made.
The project should never have been started.
The law should never have been passed.

Alternatives:

that should not have been
that never should have been
that should have never been
that should not exist
that should not be

This phrase is used to express regret or disapproval about someone's existence or presence.

Examples:

He is a criminal who should never have been released.
She is a terrible leader who should never have been elected.
The murderer who should never have been born.

Alternatives:

who should not have been
who never should have been
who should have never been
who should not exist
who should not be

Answer 1

that should never have been

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to things or objects.

Answer 2

who should never have been

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to people or living beings.

"that should never have been" vs "who should never have been"

that should never have been

who should never have been

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