The past tense of should

Question

Hello, today something came to mind and I really couldn't figure out the correct way to say it.

What would be the past tense of should? I could use "should have done something", but that in itself implies that I didn't actually do it, whereas in my case, I did do it. Other alternatives that I have thought of include "had to", but that shows obligation which is not correct in my case and "was supposed to", which also kind of implies the same as the latter.

For instance:

He told me that I should do it and by doing so, I really confirmed that I ~~shoulded~~.

BillJ · Accepted Answer

"Should" is a past tense form; it's the past tense of "shall".

It's normally used in counter-factual situations such as remote conditional constructions (I should do it if they offer to pay me), or to express obligation (You should have called the police).

But I don't quite understand the example you gave. Are you trying to say that you had done it or that you did do it?

Anonymous · Answer

ZeroFunter ™What would be the past tense of should? I could use "should have done something", but that in itself implies that I didn't actually do it, whereas in my case, I did do it. Other alternatives that I have thought of include "had to", but that shows obligation which is not correct in my case and "was supposed to", which also kind of implies the same as the latter.For instance:He told me that I should do it and by doing so, I really confirmed that

I understand "should have done", the verb phrase, as a one expressing an unfulfilled action in the past. You were obliged to do something in the past but you didn't do that. By using it you may state some sort of regret/guilt that you didn't do it in a good time (or at all) in the past. On the other hand, if you did something in the past you may say "I was obliged to do it and I did it."

The past tense of should

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions