should have been given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should have been given" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase to express regret about something that could or should have happened in the past, but didn't. For example: "She should have been given a raise last year for her hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Clear prior warning should have been given.

The New York Times

It should have been given.

The Guardian - Sport

"This goal should have been given.

The Guardian - Sport

Mader should have been given a medal.

The Washington Post

I think Dalglish should have been given another year, yes.

The Guardian - Sport

People should have been given proper diagnoses and proper treatment.

The Guardian

He should have been given a fair trial".

The Guardian - Film

"They should have been given a higher priority".

The New York Times - Science

She says the inspectors should have been given more time.

The Guardian

I don't think either should have been given.

The Guardian - Sport

They should have been given between 50 and 100 microgrammes.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should have been given", ensure the context clearly indicates what was not given and why it was expected or deserved. Providing specific details strengthens the impact of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "should of been given"; the correct form is "should have been given". Remember that "have" is the auxiliary verb in this construction, not "of".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should have been given" functions as a modal construction expressing regret, obligation, or criticism regarding a past action that was not performed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Academia

15%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "should have been given" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to express regret, obligation, or criticism regarding something that was not provided in the past. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig examples reveals its frequent occurrence in News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what was not given and why it was expected or deserved to enhance the statement's impact. Alternatives like "ought to have been granted" or "deserved to have been awarded" can offer nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ought to have been granted

Replaces "should" with "ought to", maintaining the sense of obligation or expectation.

deserved to have been awarded

Emphasizes the deserving nature of the recipient, adding a layer of justification.

was entitled to receive

Focuses on the right or entitlement to something, shifting the perspective slightly.

merited being bestowed

Uses more formal language to express the idea of something being conferred as a reward or honor.

was worthy of receiving

Highlights the worthiness of the recipient, suggesting they met the criteria for receiving something.

was due to be presented

Indicates that something was scheduled or expected to be given, but it didn't happen.

should have been allocated

Implies a formal distribution or assignment that didn't occur.

should have been afforded

Suggests providing an opportunity or resource that was not given.

needed to have been provided

Emphasizes the necessity of giving something, highlighting the potential negative consequences of not doing so.

was supposed to have been handed over

Focuses on the expectation of something being transferred or delivered, implying a breach of expectation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "should have been given" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using alternatives such as "ought to have been granted", or "was entitled to receive". These options lend a more authoritative tone.

What does it mean when someone says something "should have been given"?

It means that something was expected or deserved to be provided, but it wasn't. It often expresses regret or criticism about a missed opportunity.

Is there a difference between "should have been given" and "could have been given"?

Yes. "Should have been given" implies an obligation or expectation, while "could have been given" suggests a possibility or option. The former indicates a stronger sense of what was appropriate or necessary.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "should have been given" in writing?

It's appropriate when expressing regret, criticism, or highlighting a missed opportunity where something was expected or deserved. Ensure the context clearly explains what "should have been given" and why.