English phrase from drama scenes
What Does "you should have" Mean?
Learn what "you should have" means, when people say it, and how to use it naturally in English.
Intermediate
Rude
Firm
Warn
You should have left
It means the speaker thinks the other person should have left earlier and now it is too late.
From The Winter Veil, Episode 31
When do people say this?
Scene Context
Someone tells another person they missed their chance to leave.
Usage Scenario
Use this in an argument to criticize someone for not acting sooner. It sounds harsh and blaming, so it is not suitable for polite conversation.
Better ways to say it
1
You should’ve left when you had the chance.
2
You missed your chance to leave.
3
You should have gone while you could.
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