Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition should in American English

should modal verb

modal verb
/ʃʊd/

Should is usually followed by an infinitive without “to”: You should eat more fresh fruit. Sometimes should is used without a following infinitive: I don’t always do everything I should.

Should does not change its form, so the third person singular form does not end in “-s”: She should see a doctor about that cough.

Questions and negatives are formed without “do”: Should we come back later?You should not bring up embarrassing topics.

The negative form should not is often shortened in conversation or informal writing to shouldn’t: Those kids shouldn’t be in there.

Should is often used in tag questions: We should leave a tip, shouldn’t we?

Should has no participles and no infinitive form.

There is no past tense, but should have followed by a past participle can be used for referring to actions that did not happen or for actions that have probably happened: I should have brought an umbrella (=I did not bring one).The meeting should have finished by now (=it is likely it has ended).

When indirect speech is introduced by a verb in the past tense, should can be used as the past tense of shall: I explained that I should be too busy to see them the following day.

1

used for saying or asking about the right or sensible thing to do or the right way to behave

1.1

used for saying or asking about the right or sensible thing to do or the right way to behave

Example

Parents should spend as much time with their children as possible.

Example

It's an amazing book - you should read it.

Example

You shouldn't drive so fast.

Example

What should I do? Should I look for another job?

Example

There should be a law against spreading lies.

Example

What should be taught in our schools?

Example

They should be ashamed of themselves.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
1.2

used for saying what is correct, especially when the situation is different from this

Example

There should be a comma after "Yours sincerely."

Example

The total should come to $728.50.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
2

used when you have strong reasons for believing or expecting something

Example

There should be a knife in the drawer.

Example

There'll be lots of games, so it should be fun.

Example

Sheila's a brilliant student - she should graduate with honors.

Example

They should have gotten home by now.

Example

That was disappointing - we should have won that game easily.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
3

used after "if" or instead of "if" for describing a situation that may possibly happen

Example

Should you need help, do not hesitate to call me.

Example

If anything should happen to me, please give this letter to my wife.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
4

used for saying what someone thinks is important

Example

It is essential that we should protect the environment.

Example

Curtiz was determined that Ingrid should star in the new movie.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
5

used for saying what someone decides, suggests, or orders

Example

The committee recommended that the chief executive should be dismissed.

Example

Our orders were that we should advance toward San Pedro.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
6

used for describing a fact or event that someone has a particular feeling or opinion about

Example

It's hardly surprising that people should be suspicious of politicians' promises.

Example

How sad that she should have no one to comfort her.

Example

Claudia was shocked that anyone should believe such a scandalous story.

Example

It's odd you should mention Ben - I was just thinking about him.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
7

used for saying what the purpose of an action is

Example

He used a false name so that no one should discover his secret.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
8

used for making polite requests or statements about what you prefer

Example

I should be grateful for a prompt reply.

Example

I should like to introduce our guest speaker.

Example

I should like to see you alone for a moment.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
9

used for saying what you would do or how you would feel in a situation that you imagine

Example

If we had stayed any longer, we should have missed our train.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
10

used about a situation in the past when you said or knew what you would do or what would happen

Example

I said that I should be happy to cooperate with the investigation.

Example

We realized that we should have to pay a large sum to the lawyers.

Synonyms and related words
can cannot could
Definition should in American English