should still have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "should still have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is expected to remain or continue to exist despite other circumstances. Example: "Even after the changes, the project should still have the necessary funding to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But she should still have time to swim.

The New Yorker

But he insists it should still have broad autonomy.

The Economist

This year, consumers should still have plenty in their wallets.

The Economist

But he should still have one more try.

The Economist

They should still have a little bite to them.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You should still have a Berkeley employee with a berkeley.edu email address register for an account.

University of California, Berkeley

You said that we should still have troops in Iraq to this day.

The New York Times

They should still have a little bite and should not have begun to disintegrate.

Independent

If he wins slightly less than half, he should still have no real problems.

The New York Times

These countries should still have the room to adopt debt-financed stimulus packages.

The New Yorker

Companies using facial recognition should still have to comply with anti-discrimination laws.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "should still have", ensure that the context clearly indicates the reason for the expectation. For example, "Despite the challenges, the team "should still have" enough resources to complete the project".

Common error

Avoid using "should still have" when a stronger obligation or certainty is intended. If something must be in place, use "must still have" instead. The word "should" implies a degree of possibility, not a firm requirement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "should still have" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating an expectation, likelihood, or obligation that something continues to exist or be possessed. This is supported by the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase expresses anticipated states or conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "should still have" is a versatile expression indicating an expectation or likelihood of continued existence or possession. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, consider the strength of the expectation you want to convey and choose alternative expressions like "ought to retain" if a subtle nuance is required. Remember to avoid using it when a stronger obligation is intended; "must still have" might be more appropriate in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can expect to still possess

Emphasizes the expectation and likelihood of continued possession.

should continue to possess

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the possession.

is anticipated to still have

Highlights the anticipation of continued possession.

should maintain possession of

Formal way to indicate keeping something.

ought to retain

Suggests a moral obligation or expectation to keep something.

is expected to retain

Focuses on the expectation of continued possession.

would be expected to have

Highlights the anticipation or likelihood of possessing something.

must continue to hold

Indicates a requirement or necessity to keep something.

can still rely on

Suggests continued dependence or trust in something.

is entitled to keep

Highlights the right or entitlement to maintain possession.

FAQs

How can I use "should still have" in a sentence?

You can use "should still have" to express an expectation that something continues to exist or be available. For example, "Even after the renovations, the library "should still have" a wide selection of books".

What does "should still have" imply about certainty?

"Should still have" suggests a reasonable expectation, but not a guarantee. It implies that based on current knowledge or circumstances, something is likely to remain. If you want to convey a stronger certainty, consider using "must still have" or "will still have".

Which is more appropriate, "should still have" or "would still have"?

The choice depends on the context. "Should still have" implies a moral obligation or expectation based on present circumstances, while "would still have" describes a hypothetical situation. For instance, "He "should still have" the key" suggests he's expected to, while "He "would still have" the key if he hadn't lost it" presents a conditional scenario.

What are some alternatives to "should still have" that convey a similar meaning?

Alternatives include phrases like "ought to retain", "is expected to retain", or "is anticipated to still have". These alternatives provide subtle variations in emphasis while maintaining the core meaning of continued possession or availability. See "ought to retain", "is expected to retain".