"you should have told me before" vs "you should tell me before"

Question

"you should have told me before" vs "you should tell me before"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'You should tell me before' is used when giving a general instruction or suggestion in the present or future. 'You should have told me before' is used to express regret or disappointment about something that was not done in the past.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

This phrase is used to indicate that the person should have informed you earlier about something in the past.

Examples:

You should have told me before you made the decision.
You should have told me before you left the house.

Alternatives:

You should have informed me earlier.
You should have given me a heads-up.

This phrase is used to advise someone to inform you in advance of something in the present or future.

Examples:

You should tell me before you make any decisions.
You should tell me before you leave the house.

Alternatives:

Please inform me beforehand.
Make sure to let me know in advance.

Answer 1

you should have told me before

This phrase is correct and commonly used to express regret or disappointment about something that was not done in the past.

Answer 2

you should tell me before

This phrase is correct and commonly used when giving a general instruction or suggestion in the present or future.

"you should have told me before" vs "you should tell me before"

you should have told me before

you should tell me before

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