should
Grammar Point
In modern English, the traditional difference between should and would in reported sentences, conditions, requests, etc. has disappeared and should is not used very much at all. In spoken English the short form ’d is usually used:
I said I’d (I would) be late.
He’d (he would) have liked to have been an actor.
I’d (I would) really prefer tea.
The main use of should now is to tell somebody what they ought to do, to give advice, or to add emphasis:
We should really go and visit them soon.
You should have seen it!
$ \mathrm{should} /ʃəd/, strong form /ʃʊd/
You shouldn't drink and drive.
He should have been more careful.
A present for me? You shouldn't have! (= used to thank somebody politely)
You should stop worrying about it.
Should I call him and apologize?
I should wait a little longer, if I were you.
(ironic) ‘She doesn't think she'll get a job.’ ‘She should worry, with all her qualifications (= she does not need to worry).’
We should arrive before dark.
I should have finished the book by Friday.
The roads should be less crowded today.
4 used to say that something that was expected has not happened
It should be snowing now, according to the weather forecast.
The bus should have arrived ten minutes ago.
5 used as the past form of shall when reporting what somebody has said
He asked me what time he should come. (= His words were: ‘What time shall I come?’)
(British English, formal) I said (that) I should be glad to help.
6 (British English) used after that when something is suggested or arranged
She recommended that I should take some time off.
In order that training should be effective it must be planned systematically.
In both North American English and British English this idea can be expressed without ‘should’: She recommended that I take some time off. • In order that training be effective…
7 used with I and we to give opinions that you are not certain about
I should imagine it will take about three hours.
‘Is this enough food for everyone?’ ‘I should think so.’
‘Will it matter?’ ‘I shouldn't think so.’
8 used for expressing strong agreement
‘I know it's expensive but it will last for years.’ ‘I should hope so too!’
‘Nobody will oppose it.’ ‘I should think not!’
9 why, how, who, what should somebody/something do used to refuse something or to show that you are annoyed at a request; used to express surprise about an event or a situation
Why should I help him? He's never done anything for me.
How should I know where you've left your bag?
I got on the bus and who should be sitting in front of me but Tony!
10 used to tell somebody that something would surprise them or make them laugh if they saw or experienced it
You should have seen her face when she found out!
11 used after that after many adjectives that describe feelings
I'm anxious that we should allow plenty of time.
I find it astonishing that he should be so rude to you.
12 (British English, formal) used with I and we in polite requests
I should like to call my lawyer.
We should be grateful for your help.
13 (British English, formal) used after I or we instead of would for describing what you would do if something else happened first
If I were asked to work on Sundays, I should resign.
14 (formal) used to refer to a possible event or situation
If you should change your mind, do let me know.
In case you should need any help, here's my number.
Should anyone call (= if anyone calls), please tell them I'm busy.
Word Origin