English Dictionary
Definition should in British English
should modal verbWhat are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
modal verbWhat are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
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.
They should be ashamed of themselves.
That was disappointing - we should have won that game easily.
It is essential that we should protect the environment.
Curtiz was determined that Ingrid should star in the new film.
used for describing a fact or event that someone has a particular feeling or opinion about
It's hardly surprising that people should be suspicious of politicians' promises.
Claudia was shocked that anyone should believe such a scandalous story.
I said that I should be happy to cooperate with the investigation.
