should
modal verb
Definitions of should modal verb
duty
- A2
used to indicate what is the correct or best action to take or ask about such actions.
If you are upset with him, you should communicate it to him.
You should travel by bus; it is the most convenient way to arrive there.
"Should I express my apology to him?" "Yes, I believe that you should."
probable
- B1
used to express that something is likely or expected to occur.
My dry cleaning is expected to be ready sometime this afternoon.
You should find this guidebook quite useful.
I am not sure what has happened to Annie. She should have arrived here by now.
possibility
- formal
used to refer to a possible future event.
In the event that someone needs to speak with me, I will be in the manager's office.
If you require anything at all, please do not hesitate to contact me.
used following "that" and adjectives or nouns indicating an opinion or feeling.
It is rather strange that she would believe I wish to see her again.
It is so unfair that she passed away at such a young age.
used after "that" to indicate a possibility.
We made an arrangement that we would meet the following week.
- formal
used after "so that" and "in order that" to show purpose.
He took his umbrella with him so that he would not get wet.
- formal
used after "for fear that", "in case", and "lest".
He took his umbrella in case it might rain.
reason
- B2
used after "why" when providing or asking the reason for something.
Why would anyone desire to eat something so unpleasant?
If she has the money, why would she not purchase it?
would
- formal
used instead of "would" when the subject is "I" or "we".
I would like to have a cup of tea before going to bed.
Naturally, I would not expect you to pay.
surprise
used to express surprise in sentences that are in the form of questions.
I was just about to get off the bus when, of all people, I saw my old schoolmate Pat!
advise
used after "I" when giving advice.
If I were in your position, I would not concern myself with this matter.
I would advise you not to worry about it.
Idioms
- How should I know?
Used to express that the speaker cannot be expected to know something, often with a tone of impatience or surprise.
• "Why didn't you tell me earlier?" "How should I know you would need it?"
- I should be so lucky!
An expression used to indicate that something desired is highly improbable.
• "If I won the lottery, I’d already be retired." "I should be so lucky!"
- They should worry!
Used to indicate that someone has no reason to be concerned or anxious; there is no need for worry.
• They should worry! She has absolutely no problems to deal with.
- I should think not/so (too)!
Used to express strong agreement or disagreement with a statement, indicating that something is either completely expected or absolutely not acceptable.
• "You should tell the manager about this." "I should think so too!"
- you should have seen/heard something/someone
used to express that a particular sight or sound would have been highly amusing or interesting to someone.
• You should have seen the jacket he was wearing yesterday; it was so sparkly it looked like a disco ball!
- how should I know?
Used to express that the speaker cannot reasonably be expected to know the answer to a question.
• "When is the deadline for this report?" "How should I know? I'm not involved in this project."
- they should worry!
Used to indicate that someone clearly has no reason to worry, or to reassure someone that they do not need to be concerned.
• “She should worry! She hasn’t a problem in the world.”
- I should hope/say/think so/not
used to express strong agreement or opinion.
• "Do you think he will succeed?" "I should hope so! He's put so much into it."
- you shouldn't have
Used to express gratitude when someone has unexpectedly done something generous for you, such as giving a gift, implying that it was not necessary.
• Wow, this cake is amazing! You really shouldn't have!