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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!'

Related words

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.

Frequently asked questions about I should have known

What does I should have known mean?

I missed a hint or clue about something.

What is the definition of I should have known?

Expresses regret for not recognizing something sooner.

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, 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, 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.