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Definition should in British 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 question tags: 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.

should or would? When ‘I’ or ‘we’ is the subject of the modal verb either would or should can be used in polite requests, for describing the results of imagined situations, or for talking about past intentions or plans, but would is more common: I would/should like to discuss the matter with you.If I had enough money, I would/should buy a Mercedes.I said that I would/should be willing to help. When the subject is not ‘I’ or ‘we’, would is always used: He would like to see you.You promised you wouldn’t be late.

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

What should be taught in our schools?

Example

There should be a law against spreading false rumours.

Example

They should be ashamed of themselves.

Synonyms and related words
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
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 get a first class degree.

Example

They should have got home by now.

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
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
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 film.

Synonyms and related words
5

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
6

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
7

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

Example

I should go mad if I had to spend any longer in this place.

Example

If there was a problem, I should know exactly what to do.

Example

'Will you come to London?' 'I should love to, but I can't leave Emily here on her own.'

Example

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

Synonyms and related words
8

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
9

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
10

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 towards San Pedro.

Synonyms and related words
Definition should in British English