"You should have said" vs "You must have said"

Question

"You should have said" vs "You must have said"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'You should have said' is used to express a suggestion or advice about something that was said in the past. 'You must have said' is used to express a strong belief or assumption about something that was said in the past.

Last Updated: March 26, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that it would have been better if the person had said something in the past. It implies a recommendation or advice.

Examples:

You should have said you were feeling unwell.
You should have said you needed help with the project.

Alternatives:

You could have said
You might have said
You would have said

This phrase is used to indicate a strong conviction or assumption that the person definitely said something in the past. It implies a high level of certainty.

Examples:

You must have said something that upset her.
You must have said you were going to be late.

Alternatives:

You surely said
You definitely said
You undoubtedly said

Answer 1

You should have said

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a suggestion or advice about something that was said in the past.

Answer 2

You must have said

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express a strong belief or assumption about something that was said in the past.

"You should have said" vs "You must have said"

You should have said

You must have said

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