should
/ʃəd/ verb A1- Used to issue an instruction (traditionally seen as carrying less force of authority than alternatives such as 'shall' or 'must'). · You should never drink and drive.· The law is clear that you should always wear a seat belt.
- Used to give advice or opinion that an action is, or would have been, beneficial or desirable. · You should go and see that film. I think you'll enjoy it.· Should we go and see the police, do you think?
- With verbs such as 'see' or 'hear', usually in the second person, used to point out something remarkable in either a good or bad way. · You should see his new apartment. It's like a palace!· If you think her piano playing is bad, you should hear her sing!
- In questions, asks what is correct, proper, desirable, etc. · What do you think? What should I do?
- Indicates that something is expected to have happened or to be the case now. · They should have finished by now; I'll call them to check.· My fruit trees should be in flower, but the cold spring has set them back.
- Will be likely to (become or do something); indicates a degree of possibility or probability that the stated thing will happen or be true in the future. · They should have it finished by Friday.· When you press this button, the pilot flame should ignite.
- Used to form a variant of the present subjunctive, expressing a state or action that is hypothetical, potential, mandated, etc. · If I should be late, I should hope that you are prepared to go on without me.· Should you need extra blankets, you will find them in the closet.
- Used to express a conditional outcome. · If I had not been so tired, I should have laughed heartily.
He/she/it should
Verb forms
- Base form
- should
- He/she/it
- should
- Past
- shoulded
- Past participle
- shoulded
- -ing form
- shoulding
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
“And why should he not have this?” asked the owner; “he is young, it is true, but he seems to me a thorough seaman, and of full experience.”
I have a son too, and I should be very wroth with those who detained him from me after a three months’ voyage.”
“But tell me, Dantès, if you had command of the Pharaon should you be glad to see Danglars remain?”
“For,” he said, “if I should get caught in the rain, and rust again, I would need the oil-can badly.”
Other matches
Learn should in real texts
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