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I should have known

UK//aɪ ʃəd hæv nəʊn//US//aɪ ʃəd hæv noʊn//

Meaning of I should have known

Expresses regret for not recognizing something sooner.

In simple words: I missed a hint or clue about something.

I should have known in a sentence

  • After missing the deadline, I should have known better than to procrastinate.
  • When the truth came out, I should have known all along.
  • After our argument, I thought, 'I should have known it would end like this.'
  • Seeing her walk away, I realized I should have known she was unhappy.
  • Looking at the mess, I thought to myself, 'I should have known this would happen.'

How to use I should have known

Used to express regret for not realizing something earlier. Common in conversations about missed opportunities or mistakes.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Imagine overlooking a signpost that reads 'Warning!'

iPhone 15 Pro

Words related to I should have known

Collocations with I should have known

  • have known better
  • should have realized
  • should have seen
  • should have understood
  • should have guessed

Synonyms for I should have known

  • I overlooked
  • I failed to realize
  • I didn't see
  • I missed
  • I neglected

Common mistakes with I should have known

  • Often used incorrectly without context.
  • Some confuse it with 'I should know' which implies current knowledge.

I should have known appears in

I should have known in other languages

Frequently asked questions about "I should have known"

What does "I should have known" mean?

I missed a hint or clue about something.

How do you use "I should have known" in a sentence?

After missing the deadline, I should have known better than to procrastinate.

Can you give another example of "I should have known"?

When the truth came out, I should have known all along.

What are synonyms for "I should have known"?

Common alternatives include I overlooked, I failed to realize, I didn't see, I missed, and I neglected.

What words go with "I should have known"?

It commonly pairs with have known better, should have realized, should have seen, should have understood, and should have guessed.

What are common mistakes when using "I should have known"?

Often used incorrectly without context. Some confuse it with 'I should know' which implies current knowledge.

How do you pronounce "I should have known"?

US: //aɪ ʃəd hæv noʊn//, UK: //aɪ ʃəd hæv nəʊn//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use "I should have known"?

Used to express regret for not realizing something earlier. Common in conversations about missed opportunities or mistakes.