【明報專訊】Having received an SOS from Pat, the Smarties are really worried about her. Has she had an accident?

■English highway﹕-words and collocations

"should have"

We use "should have" to talk about a past event that did not happen.

e.g. You should have come to the party last night. It was really fun!

In contrast, "should not have" is frequently used to regret events that have occurred.

e.g. I shouldn't have said those words. I'm sorry.

The expression can also be used to make guesses about events that may or may not have happened.

e.g. He should have arrived at the office by now. Let's call him again.

■Quiz

Circle the correct answer. (answers on next text)

1. Hurry up! We (should have left / should leave) 15 minutes ago.

2. I sent him a parcel yesterday. He (should receive / should have received) it soon.

3. We (shouldn't fire / shouldn't have fired) him. He is now very successful with our competitor.

4. They have lost the document. They really (should have made / shouldn't have made) a copy of it.

■Glossary

SOS (n) 緊急求救信號

break in (phr v) 闖入

imprison (v) 禁錮

wardrobe (n) 衣櫃