3K

You should know better

🇬🇧 UK //juː ʃəd nəʊ ˈbɛtə// 🇺🇸 US //ju ʃəd noʊ ˈbɛtɚ//

Meaning of You should know better

You ought to be aware of what is appropriate or wise.

In simple words: You should understand what is right or smart in this situation.

You should know better in a sentence

• After he failed the test, his parents said, 'You should know better than to procrastinate.'
• 'You should know better than to trust him with your secrets,' she warned her friend.
• When she arrived late again, her supervisor remarked, 'You should know better at this point.'
• 'You should know better,' he said, shaking his head when he saw her camera in the rain.

How to use You should know better

This phrase is often used when someone makes a poor choice, suggesting they should have learned from experience. It's appropriate in conversations where advice or criticism is given.

Grammar pattern

standalone phrase

Memory hint

Think of someone teaching a child right from wrong, saying they 'should know better' next time.

Related words

Collocations with You should know better

• know better than
• should not do that
• learn from mistakes

Synonyms for You should know better

• You ought to understand
• You have experience
• You should be aware
• You are expected to know
• You can do better

Common mistakes with You should know better

• Using it to criticize without offering support.
• Misusing in a sarcastic tone when sincerity is needed.
• Confusing it with 'You could know better', which sounds less forceful.

Frequently asked questions about You should know better

What does You should know better mean?

You should understand what is right or smart in this situation.

What is the definition of You should know better?

You ought to be aware of what is appropriate or wise.

How do you use You should know better in a sentence?

After he failed the test, his parents said, 'You should know better than to procrastinate.'

Can you give another example of You should know better?

'You should know better than to trust him with your secrets,' she warned her friend.

What are synonyms for You should know better?

Common alternatives include You ought to understand, You have experience, You should be aware, You are expected to know, You can do better.

What words go with You should know better?

It commonly pairs with know better than, should not do that, learn from mistakes.

What are common mistakes when using You should know better?

Using it to criticize without offering support. Misusing in a sarcastic tone when sincerity is needed. Confusing it with 'You could know better', which sounds less forceful.

How do you pronounce You should know better?

US: //ju ʃəd noʊ ˈbɛtɚ//, UK: //juː ʃəd nəʊ ˈbɛtə//. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use You should know better?

This phrase is often used when someone makes a poor choice, suggesting they should have learned from experience. It's appropriate in conversations where advice or criticism is given.