Learn English – Any difference between “shouldn’t have done something” and “shouldn’t have to do something”

participlespast-tense

Is there any difference between these two?

  1. I shouldn’t have done that.

  2. I shouldn’t have to do that.

Best Answer

Yes. It's the same construction as I shouldn't have answered this vs I shouldn't have to answer this. The latter is a complaint and indicative that not only did I not answer but that I will not answer in the future, while the former indicates that I did answer but now regret it.