How to correct myself orally

Question

I sometimes say something wrong in English and I figure out myself it was wrong or I can guess from people's reaction.

If I want to ask them what's the correct way to say it, is it ok to say:

Should I have say "fixed sentenced" instead ?

Example:

Me: What time have it ?

My friend: ...oh 4pm!

Me: Should I have say "What time is it?" instead

There are many options. Similar to yours, "Should I have said 'What time is it?'" or if you don't want to guess, simply "What is the correct/the best/a better way to say that?" — user3169, Jan 31 '16 at 23:27

score 0 · Accepted Answer · answered Jan 31 '16 at 23:27

Since it is in the past (you've already asked), you would say,

"Should I have said, 'What time is it?' instead?"

If it were in the future (you're about to ask), you would say,

"Should I say, 'What time is it?' instead?"

But don't mix the two. "Should I have say" is not correct.

1 Answers1