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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Mistake or colloquialism?

Recently I've been very bothered when i see people typing "should of" instead of "should've" (also applies to would, could, etc.). I maintain that this is an error, a common one, admittedly, but an error and nothing more. Others have stated they believe it to be a colloquialism, but I don't buy that. I have not been able to find any source that is definitive on the matter. Can anyone assist? Thanks!
  

Top answer

A colloquialism is something most people use in ordinary, casual English. Educated people do not use 'should of', and would view it as as an error.

— Clive

  • A colloquialism is something most people use in ordinary, casual English.
  • Educated people do not use 'should of', and would view it as as an error.
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3 Answers
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A colloquialism is something most people use in ordinary, casual English.
Educated people do not use 'should of', and would view it as as an error.
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Anonymousi see
When referring to yourself, always write a capital letter I.
AnonymousI maintain that this is an error, a common one, admittedly, but an error and nothing more.
You are right. It's because the pronunciation of the "ve" part of "should've" is similar to, but not
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AnonymousMistake or colloquialism?
Mistake. Specifically, a mistake in writing.

A colloquialism is a word or phrase that is used mostly in informal speech. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The words "should have" ("should've") are used in both formal and informal writing and speech. They are modal verbs, not colloquial expressions
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