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Seraphin Posted 14 years ago
Grammar
"should not have" for future events ??
I understand the basic rules of using "should not have", but was wondering if I can use it in the following manner.
Ex:
I know I should not have asked you this, but do you think I am adorable
?
My problem with this sentence is that the question follows, but not proceeds, the expression "should not have". The general rule of "should not have" in my mind applies ONLY to a situation that has already happened, but the speaker wants to express some regret of it having happened.
Can anyone help clarify if the above example is correct or not. If it is incorrect, is there a correct way to express such a scenario?
Great many thanks
Ex:
I know I should not have asked you this, but do you think I am adorable
?My problem with this sentence is that the question follows, but not proceeds, the expression "should not have". The general rule of "should not have" in my mind applies ONLY to a situation that has already happened, but the speaker wants to express some regret of it having happened.
Can anyone help clarify if the above example is correct or not. If it is incorrect, is there a correct way to express such a scenario?
Great many thanks
Top answer
Seraphin My problem with this sentence is that the question follows, but not proceeds, the expression "should not have". The general rule of "should not have" in my mind applies ONLY to a situation that has already happened, but the speaker wants to express some regret of it having happened. Correct.
- Seraphin My problem with this sentence is that the question follows, but not proceeds, the expression "should not have".
- The general rule of "should not have" in my mind applies ONLY to a situation that has already happened, but the speaker wants to express some regret of it having happened.
- Correct.
- The sentence should be: I know I should not ask you this, but don't you think I am adorable?
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2 Answers
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SeraphinMy problem with this sentence is that the question follows, but not proceeds, the expression "should not have". The general rule of "should not have" in my mind applies ONLY to a situation that has already happened, but the speaker wants to express some regret of it having happened.Correct.
The sentence should be:
I know I should not ask you t
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SeraphinCan anyone help clarify if the above example is correct or not.It isn't right.
I know I shouldn't [ask / be asking] you this, but do you think I'm adorable?
CJ
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