Past tense using should

Question

Teachers,Present tense: Her words hurt him more than they should.Past tense: Her words hurt him more than they should have.Is this right? In past tense, should have instead of just should?Thanks.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

anonymousPresent tense: Her words hurt him ...
Past tense: Her words hurt him ...

This is what we call an unfortunate coincidence. 'hurt' is the same in the present and the past. This makes your question put a little more strain on the reader in trying to understand the question — something to be avoided if possible. Allow me to change the example for the convenience of others who read through this thread.

anonymousPresent tense: Her words harm him more than they should.
Past tense: Her words harmed him more than they should have.
Is this right? In past tense, should have instead of just should?

Yes, it's right. More examples:

Sometimes we give people a little more rope than we should.
Sometimes we gave people a little more rope than we should have.

The students aren't working as hard as they should.
The students weren't working as hard as they should have.

CJ

Past tense using should

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