WordGarden.ioshould
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /ʃˈʊd/
US
- /ˈʃʊd/
Meanings
Auxiliary
used to say what is right, advisable, or expected
used to say what will probably happen, be true, or be enough
Beyond the definition
"Should" is a common little word for advice, duty, and expectation. It is softer than "must." It often gives a gentle push toward the right thing to do or says what is expected to happen. You should brush your teeth every day, and your friend should call their grandmother.
It is often used for advice: "You should try the pizza here." It can also show duty or the right thing to do: "If you promised to help, you should be there on time." Sometimes it looks back at the past: "I should have studied more." In that case, it shows regret about something that did not happen.
The word "should" is a modal verb used to express obligation, advice, expectation, or probability. Unlike stronger words like "must," "should" implies something is desirable or correct, but not necessarily mandatory. It operates in the realm of what ought to be, rather than what is.
You'll often encounter "should" when giving advice: "You should get plenty of sleep before your interview." This isn't a command, but a recommendation based on what is considered beneficial. It also expresses expectations: "The package should arrive tomorrow," meaning it is expected to be delivered then.
"Should" can also express regret or criticism about past actions: "I should have listened to my mother," implies the speaker now recognizes they made a mistake. This usage highlights an unfulfilled obligation or missed opportunity. It's important to note that "should have" + past participle refers to something that didn't happen, while simply "should" refers to present or future situations.
Furthermore, "should" can indicate probability, though it's less certain than "will." For example: "The weather should be nice this weekend," suggests a reasonable expectation based on current conditions.
In questions, "should" can ask for advice or the best thing to do: "Should I call her now?" It can also appear in polite or formal patterns such as "If you should need any help, let me know," where it adds a more careful or less direct tone.
So whether you are offering guidance, expressing expectations, reflecting on the past, or predicting the future, "should" is a versatile word that navigates the space between possibility and obligation, advice and expectation.
Examples
- 1
Advice
You should talk to your teacher if you're confused.
- 2
Decision
Should I book the tickets now or wait until tomorrow?
- 3
Expected state
The kids should be in bed by now.
- 4
Schedule expectation
This train should arrive on time unless the weather gets worse.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Ability expectation
I should be able to finish the report tonight.
- Patternshould be able to + verb
expect that you can do something
- 6
Warning
You shouldn't drink that milk; it smells bad.
- 7
Missed action
We should have left earlier.
- Patternshould have + past participle
it was better to do that, but we didn't
- 8
Regret
I shouldn't have said that in front of everyone.
- Patternshouldn't have + past participle
it was a mistake
- 9
Chance meeting
If you should see Nina, tell her I called.
- Patternif you should + verb
if by chance you...
- 10
Disagreement
Why should I apologize when I didn't do anything wrong?
- Usage
Why should I ...? can show disagreement or refusal
- 11
Enough
That should do it.
- Phrasethat should do it
that is enough or will probably solve the problem
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- shouldverb