The modal verb ‘should’ is a cornerstone of English grammar, playing a crucial role in expressing advice, obligation, expectation, and conditional statements. Understanding its nuances is essential for clear and effective communication.
This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of ‘should,’ covering its definitions, structures, usages, and common pitfalls. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, this article will equip you with the knowledge and practice to confidently use ‘should’ in your everyday English.
This guide aims to clarify the complexities surrounding ‘should,’ offering detailed explanations and practical examples. By mastering ‘should,’ you’ll enhance your ability to provide helpful suggestions, express likelihood, and navigate various grammatical structures with greater precision.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of ‘Should’
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of ‘Should’
- Examples of ‘Should’ in Use
- Usage Rules for ‘Should’
- Common Mistakes with ‘Should’
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
Definition of ‘Should’
‘Should’ is a modal verb, which means it’s an auxiliary verb that modifies or completes the main verb’s meaning. It doesn’t change its form based on the subject (I, you, he, she, it, we, they).
‘Should’ is primarily used to express advice, suggestions, obligation (though weaker than ‘must’), expectation, and conditional statements. It can also convey criticism or regret about past actions or events.
The core function of ‘should’ is to indicate a degree of probability or advisability. While it can imply a sense of duty, it’s generally less forceful than verbs like ‘must’ or ‘have to.’ The specific meaning of ‘should’ often depends on the context in which it’s used.
Structural Breakdown
The basic structure for using ‘should’ in a sentence is quite straightforward:
Subject + Should + Base Form of Verb
Here’s a breakdown:
- Subject: The person or thing performing the action (e.g., I, you, he, she, it, we, they, the student, the company).
- Should: The modal verb indicating advice, obligation, expectation, etc.
- Base Form of Verb: The infinitive form of the verb without ‘to’ (e.g., go, eat, study, work).
For example:
- You should eat healthy food.
- She should study for the exam.
- They should arrive on time.
In negative sentences, ‘not’ is placed after ‘should’:
Subject + Should + Not + Base Form of Verb
Contraction: Shouldn’t
For example:
- You should not (shouldn’t) eat too much junk food.
- He should not (shouldn’t) be late.
In questions, ‘should’ comes before the subject:
Should + Subject + Base Form of Verb?
For example:
- Should I apologize?
- Should we leave now?
- Should he call her?
Types and Categories of ‘Should’
‘Should’ has several different uses, each conveying a slightly different meaning. Understanding these nuances is crucial for using ‘should’ correctly.
Advice and Suggestions
This is one of the most common uses of ‘should.’ It expresses an opinion about what is the best course of action.
Example: “You should see a doctor if you’re feeling unwell.”
Obligation and Duty
‘Should’ can indicate a weaker form of obligation or duty, less forceful than ‘must’ or ‘have to.’
Example: “We should respect our elders.”
Expectation and Probability
‘Should’ can express that something is likely to happen or is expected to be true.
Example: “The package should arrive tomorrow.”
Conditional Sentences
In conditional sentences, ‘should’ can be used in the ‘if’ clause, often to express a less likely condition.
Example: “If you should see him, tell him I said hello.”
Criticism and Regret
‘Should have’ + past participle is used to express criticism or regret about something that happened (or didn’t happen) in the past.
Example: “I should have studied harder for the test.”
Examples of ‘Should’ in Use
Here are examples illustrating each of the types of ‘should’ we discussed.
Examples for Advice and Suggestions
The following table provides examples of ‘should’ used to give advice and suggestions. Notice how the sentences offer recommendations for actions or behaviors.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| You should try the new Italian restaurant downtown. | Suggesting a dining option. |
| She should apologize for her mistake. | Advising her to take responsibility. |
| They should consider all their options before deciding. | Recommending a thorough evaluation. |
| He should exercise more often. | Suggesting a healthier lifestyle choice. |
| We should visit our grandparents this weekend. | Suggesting a family activity. |
| I should probably start saving money. | Admitting a need for financial planning. |
| You should take a break; you’ve been working hard. | Encouraging rest and relaxation. |
| She should learn a new language. | Suggesting a beneficial skill to acquire. |
| They should invest in renewable energy. | Advocating for sustainable practices. |
| He should read more books. | Encouraging intellectual development. |
| We should recycle more to protect the environment. | Promoting environmental responsibility. |
| I should cut down on sugary drinks. | Recognizing a need for dietary improvement. |
| You should listen to your parents’ advice. | Suggesting respect for elders’ wisdom. |
| She should apply for that scholarship. | Encouraging her to pursue opportunities. |
| They should attend the conference. | Suggesting professional development. |
| He should take a cooking class. | Suggesting a fun and useful skill. |
| We should plan a vacation soon. | Suggesting a relaxing getaway. |
| I should learn to play a musical instrument. | Expressing a desire for a new hobby. |
| You should always be polite to others. | Advising good manners. |
| She should visit the museum. | Suggesting a cultural experience. |
| They should try to be more understanding. | Recommending empathy. |
| He should be more patient. | Suggesting a personality trait. |
| We should be thankful for what we have. | Suggesting gratitude. |
| I should be more organized. | Recognizing the need for better planning. |
Examples for Obligation and Duty
The following table shows ‘should’ expressing a sense of obligation or duty. Note that the obligation is usually less forceful than using “must” or “have to.”
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Children should respect their parents. | Expressing a moral obligation. |
| Citizens should obey the law. | Stating a civic duty. |
| Employees should arrive on time for work. | Describing a professional expectation. |
| Students should complete their assignments. | Stating an academic requirement. |
| Doctors should provide the best possible care. | Describing a professional responsibility. |
| We should help those in need. | Expressing a humanitarian duty. |
| You should always tell the truth. | Stating a moral principle. |
| He should keep his promises. | Emphasizing the importance of commitment. |
| She should fulfill her responsibilities. | Describing a personal obligation. |
| They should pay their taxes on time. | Stating a legal obligation. |
| We should protect the environment. | Expressing a global responsibility. |
| I should be more responsible with my finances. | Recognizing a need for financial discipline. |
| You should be respectful of other cultures. | Suggesting cultural sensitivity. |
| He should treat everyone with kindness. | Promoting empathy and compassion. |
| She should take care of her health. | Emphasizing the importance of self-care. |
| They should be mindful of their actions. | Suggesting thoughtfulness. |
| We should strive to be better people. | Expressing a desire for self-improvement. |
| I should be more patient with others. | Recognizing a need for tolerance. |
| You should be grateful for what you have. | Suggesting appreciation. |
| He should be honest in his dealings. | Emphasizing integrity. |
| She should be reliable in her commitments. | Suggesting dependability. |
| They should be supportive of each other. | Promoting teamwork and unity. |
| We should be understanding of different perspectives. | Suggesting open-mindedness. |
| I should be more proactive in my career. | Recognizing a need for ambition. |
Examples for Expectation and Probability
This table illustrates how ‘should’ is used to express expectation or probability. The sentences indicate what is likely to happen or what is expected to be true.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The train should arrive in five minutes. | Expressing an expected arrival time. |
| She should be home by now. | Indicating an expected location. |
| They should have finished the project already. | Stating an expected completion. |
| He should know the answer to that question. | Expressing an expected level of knowledge. |
| We should receive the package tomorrow. | Indicating an expected delivery date. |
| The weather should be sunny tomorrow. | Predicting the weather. |
| The meeting should last about an hour. | Estimating the duration of the meeting. |
| She should be promoted soon. | Expressing an expectation of advancement. |
| They should win the game easily. | Predicting the outcome of a game. |
| He should pass the exam. | Expressing confidence in his ability. |
| We should see results soon. | Expressing an expectation of progress. |
| The economy should improve next year. | Predicting economic growth. |
| The price of gas should go down. | Expressing an expectation of lower prices. |
| She should be feeling better after taking medicine. | Indicating an expected improvement in health. |
| They should understand the instructions. | Expressing an expectation of comprehension. |
| He should be able to fix the car. | Expressing confidence in his ability to repair. |
| We should hear back from them soon. | Expressing an expectation of a reply. |
| The movie should be entertaining. | Predicting the quality of the movie. |
| The food should be delicious at that restaurant. | Expressing an expectation of good food. |
| The problem should be solved quickly. | Predicting a swift resolution. |
| The situation should improve with time. | Expressing an expectation of betterment. |
| The market should stabilize soon. | Predicting market equilibrium. |
| The team should perform well this season. | Expressing an expectation of good performance. |
| The company should launch new products soon. | Predicting product innovation. |
Examples for Conditional Sentences
The following table shows examples of ‘should’ used in conditional sentences, particularly in the ‘if’ clause. This often expresses a less likely condition or a polite request.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| If you should need any help, please call me. | Expressing a willingness to assist. |
| If he should arrive early, ask him to wait. | Providing instructions for an unlikely event. |
| If it should rain, we will stay inside. | Planning for a possible weather condition. |
| If she should decide to come, we’ll be happy. | Expressing a desire for her presence. |
| If they should offer you the job, accept it. | Advising on a potential job offer. |
| If you should see him, give him this message. | Requesting a favor. |
| If she should ask, tell her I’m busy. | Providing a response in case of inquiry. |
| If they should disagree, try to mediate. | Advising on conflict resolution. |
| If he should forget his wallet, I’ll pay. | Offering assistance in case of forgetfulness. |
| If it should snow, school will be canceled. | Predicting a school closure. |
| If we should run out of time, we’ll continue tomorrow. | Planning for a possible time constraint. |
| If you should change your mind, let me know. | Expressing openness to a change of decision. |
| If she should need a ride, I can take her. | Offering transportation. |
| If they should ask for a donation, consider giving. | Suggesting charitable giving. |
| If he should be late, start without him. | Providing instructions for a delay. |
| If it should get cold, put on a jacket. | Advising on dealing with cold weather. |
| If we should have any problems, we’ll contact you. | Assuring contact in case of issues. |
| If you should feel unwell, stay home. | Advising on health-related decisions. |
| If she should have any questions, direct them to me. | Providing a point of contact. |
| If they should require more information, provide it. | Offering to supply additional details. |
| If he should want to join, he’s welcome. | Extending an invitation. |
| If it should be necessary, we’ll take action. | Indicating readiness to intervene. |
| If we should receive any complaints, we’ll address them. | Assuring complaint handling. |
| If you should have any feedback, please share it. | Requesting input. |
Examples for Criticism and Regret
This table provides examples of ‘should have’ + past participle used to express criticism or regret about past actions or inactions.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I should have listened to my parents. | Expressing regret for not taking their advice. |
| You should have studied harder for the exam. | Criticizing a lack of preparation. |
| He should have apologized for his behavior. | Expressing disapproval of his actions. |
| She should have told me the truth. | Expressing disappointment in her dishonesty. |
| We should have left earlier to avoid traffic. | Regretting a late departure. |
| I shouldn’t have eaten so much cake. | Regretting overindulgence. |
| You shouldn’t have said those hurtful things. | Criticizing unkind words. |
| He shouldn’t have spent all his money. | Criticizing financial irresponsibility. |
| She shouldn’t have trusted him so easily. | Regretting excessive trust. |
| We shouldn’t have ignored the warning signs. | Regretting a failure to heed warnings. |
| I should have taken the job offer. | Regretting a missed opportunity. |
| You should have been more careful. | Criticizing a lack of caution. |
| He should have asked for help. | Criticizing a failure to seek assistance. |
| She should have followed the instructions. | Criticizing a failure to adhere to guidelines. |
| We should have planned better. | Regretting inadequate planning. |
| I shouldn’t have procrastinated. | Regretting delaying tasks. |
| You shouldn’t have believed everything you heard. | Criticizing gullibility. |
| He shouldn’t have driven so fast. | Criticizing reckless driving. |
| She shouldn’t have quit her job. | Regretting a career decision. |
| We shouldn’t have stayed out so late. | Regretting a late night. |
| I should have saved more money. | Regretting insufficient savings. |
| You should have exercised more. | Criticizing a lack of physical activity. |
| He should have been more honest. | Criticizing dishonesty. |
| She should have been more patient. | Criticizing impatience. |
Usage Rules for ‘Should’
To use ‘should’ correctly, it’s important to understand the rules that govern its usage.
Subject-Verb Agreement
Modal verbs like ‘should’ do not change form based on the subject. This simplifies sentence construction.
Correct: I should go. / He should go. / They should go.
Incorrect: He shoulds go.
Negative Forms of ‘Should’
The negative form is ‘should not,’ which is often contracted to ‘shouldn’t.’
Correct: You should not eat that. / You shouldn’t eat that.
Interrogative Forms of ‘Should’
In questions, ‘should’ comes before the subject.
Correct: Should I call him?
Incorrect: I should call him?
‘Should Have’ + Past Participle
This form expresses regret or criticism about a past action or event. It’s often contracted to ‘should’ve.’
Correct: I should have gone. / I should’ve gone.
Incorrect: I should went.
Omission of ‘That’ after ‘Should’
The word “that” is not used after ‘should’ when ‘should’ is used to give suggestions, advice, or obligation.
Correct: I think you should go.
Incorrect: I think that you should go.
Common Mistakes with ‘Should’
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using ‘should,’ along with corrections:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| He shoulds go to the doctor. | He should go to the doctor. | ‘Should’ doesn’t change form based on the subject. |
| Should I to call her? | Should I call her? | The base form of the verb is used after ‘should.’ |
| I should went there. | I should have gone there. | Use ‘should have’ + past participle to talk about past actions. |
| I think that you should go. | I think you should go. | ‘That’ is not necessary after ‘should’. |
| You shouldn’t to do that. | You shouldn’t do that. | The base form of the verb is used after ‘shouldn’t.’ |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of ‘should’ with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of ‘should’ and the verb in parentheses.
- You __________ (see) a doctor if you feel sick.
- We __________ (respect) our elders.
- They __________ (arrive) on time.
- I __________ (study) harder for the test.
- She __________ (not / eat) so much junk food.
- __________ I (apologize)?
- He __________ (call) her yesterday, but he forgot.
- If you __________ (need) anything, let me know.
- We __________ (visit) the museum.
- They __________ (not / be) late again.
Answers:
- should see
- should respect
- should arrive
- should have studied
- should not eat / shouldn’t eat
- Should
- should have called
- should need
- should visit
- should not be / shouldn’t be
Exercise 2: Correct the Sentences
Correct the following sentences that contain errors in the use of ‘should.’
- He shoulds go to the party.
- Should I to bring a gift?
- I should went to the store yesterday.
- You think that you should try it.
- She shouldn’t to be so rude.
- We should to help them.
- They should be arrive by now.
- He should to have called.
- Should you to need anything, just ask.
- I should doing my homework.
Answers:
- He should go to the party.
- Should I bring a gift?
- I should have gone to the store yesterday.
- You think you should try it.
- She shouldn’t be so rude.
- We should help them.
- They should have arrived by now.
- He should have called.
- Should you need anything, just ask.
- I should do my homework.
Exercise 3: Sentence Transformation
Rewrite the following sentences using ‘should’ to express advice or obligation.
- It’s a good idea for you to exercise regularly.
- I advise you to see a doctor.
- It is your duty to respect your parents.
- It is necessary for them to arrive on time.
- I recommend that she study harder.
- You are required to follow the rules.
- It is important for you to be honest.
- I suggest that he apologize.
- It is your responsibility to pay your taxes.
- I advise you not to eat too much sugar.
Answers:
- You should exercise regularly.
- You should see a doctor.
- You should respect your parents.
- They should arrive on time.
- She should study harder.
- You should follow the rules.
- You should be honest.
- He should apologize.
- You should pay your taxes.
- You shouldn’t eat too much sugar.
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, let’s delve into some more complex aspects of using ‘should.’
‘Should’ vs. ‘Ought To’
‘Should’ and ‘ought to’ are often interchangeable, both expressing advice or obligation. However, ‘ought to’ is sometimes considered more formal and carries a slightly stronger sense of moral duty.
Example: You should help those in need. / You ought to help those in need.
‘Should’ vs. ‘Must’
‘Must’ expresses a stronger obligation than ‘should.’ ‘Must’ often implies a legal or unavoidable requirement, while ‘should’ suggests a recommendation or moral duty.
Example: You should visit your grandmother (it’s a good idea). / You must pay your taxes (it’s a legal requirement).
Inversion with ‘Should’ in Conditionals
In formal English, particularly in writing, ‘should’ can be used to create conditional sentences without using ‘if.’ This involves inverting the subject and verb.
Example: Should you need anything, please contact me. (Instead of: If you should need anything, please contact me.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the difference between ‘should’ and ‘must’?
‘Should’ expresses advice, suggestion, or a weaker obligation, while ‘must’ expresses a stronger obligation, often a legal or unavoidable requirement. ‘Should’ conveys what is advisable, while ‘must’ conveys what is necessary.
- Can ‘should’ be used in the past tense?
Yes, ‘should’ can be used to refer to the past using the structure ‘should have’ + past participle. This form expresses regret or criticism about something that did or didn’t happen in the past. For example, “I should have studied harder.”
- Is ‘ought
to’ always interchangeable with ‘should’?
While ‘ought to’ and ‘should’ are often interchangeable, ‘ought to’ carries a slightly stronger sense of moral obligation. In most cases, they can be used interchangeably, but ‘ought to’ is considered more formal.
- How do I form a question with ‘should’?
To form a question with ‘should’, place ‘should’ before the subject. For example: “Should I call him?” or “Should we leave now?”
- What does ‘shouldn’t have’ mean?
‘Shouldn’t have’ (should not have) expresses regret or criticism about something that did happen in the past. It indicates that it would have been better if the action had not been taken. For example: “I shouldn’t have said that.”
Conclusion
‘Should’ is a versatile modal verb with a wide range of uses in English. From offering advice and suggestions to expressing obligations, expectations, and regrets, mastering ‘should’ is crucial for effective communication.
By understanding its various functions and adhering to the usage rules outlined in this guide, you can confidently and accurately incorporate ‘should’ into your everyday English. Keep practicing and refining your understanding, and you’ll find that ‘should’ becomes a valuable asset in your linguistic toolkit.