Should have or Should of: Which Is Correct?
Updated · Which One Is Correct editorial team
Quick answer: You should use 'should have' in your writing because it is the only grammatically correct option. The phrase 'should of' is a common error resulting from mishearing the contraction 'should've'. Always choose the former to ensure your sentences remain professional and accurate.
The Short Answer
The correct phrase is always 'should have', while 'should of' is strictly incorrect. This distinction is non-negotiable in standard English grammar and style guides.
People often make this mistake because the contraction 'should've' sounds exactly like 'should of' when spoken aloud. This auditory similarity tricks writers into using the wrong preposition instead of the helping verb.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Form | Status | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Should have | Correct | Expressing a past obligation or regret |
| Should of | Incorrect | Never use it in any context |
| Should've | Correct | Writing informal text or dialogue |
| Of | Preposition | Showing possession or relationship |
Correct Example Sentences
- You should have called me before leaving the office today.
- We should have arrived at the station by noon.
- She should have known the answer to that simple question.
- They should have practiced more for the upcoming competition.
- I should have listened to your advice regarding the investment.
- He should have finished the project before the deadline.
- You should have seen the beautiful sunset last evening.
- We should have bought tickets for the concert earlier.
- She should have worn a coat in such cold weather.
- They should have notified us about the schedule change.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- I should of told you about the meeting.
- I should have told you about the meeting.
- She should of known better than that.
- She should have known better than that.
- We should of arrived earlier to wait.
- We should have arrived earlier to wait.
- They should of cleaned the room before guests.
- They should have cleaned the room before guests.
- You should of checked the map for directions.
- You should have checked the map for directions.
- He should of studied harder for the exam.
- He should have studied harder for the exam.
A Quick Test You Can Use
To verify your choice, try replacing 'should have' with 'would have' or 'could have' in your sentence. If the substitution makes sense, then 'should have' is definitely the right choice, since those helpers also take 'have', not 'of'.
Related Word Pairs
- Could of vs Could have
- Use 'could have'; 'could of' is a mishearing error.
- Would of vs Would have
- Use 'would have'; 'would of' is never correct.
- Must of vs Must have
- Use 'must have'; 'must of' is a common mistake.
- Their vs They're
- 'Their' shows possession; 'they're' means 'they are'.
- Your vs You're
- 'Your' shows possession; 'you're' means 'you are'.
More Example Sentences
- You should have called the repair service before the leak got worse.
- The team should have practiced their routine more thoroughly.
- I should have packed a jacket for the chilly evening air.
- She should have double-checked the address before mailing the package.
- They should have arrived at the station before the train departed.
- We should have read the instructions carefully before starting assembly.
- He should have mentioned the allergy to the chef right away.
- You should have saved your work more frequently to avoid data loss.
- The manager should have approved the budget earlier in the month.
- I should have asked for directions instead of guessing the route.
Quick Practice
I cleaned the kitchen before the guests arrived.
should have
You told me about the surprise party sooner.
should have
They brought an umbrella because it started raining.
should have
She waited for the light to turn green before crossing.
should have
We booked the hotel room weeks ago to get a better rate.
should have
He reviewed the contract details before signing it.
should have
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people say should of?
People say it because the contraction 'should've' sounds identical to 'should of' in casual speech. This auditory trick leads many to write the wrong words.
Is should of acceptable in informal text?
No, 'should of' is incorrect even in casual texts or emails. Always use 'should've' for informal writing to maintain clarity and show attention to detail.
Can I use should have with any verb?
You can use 'should have' followed by a past participle verb, like 'done', 'seen', or 'gone'. It forms the perfect aspect for obligations.
Does should of exist in British English?
No, 'should of' is considered an error in both American and British English. The correct form is always 'should have' or the contraction 'should've'.
