should
7 ENTRIES FOUND:
Britannica Dictionary definition of SHOULD
past tense of
shall
[modal verb]
1
a
— used to say or suggest that something is the proper, reasonable, or best thing to do
-
You should [=ought to] get some rest.
-
They should be punished.
-
We should leave a few minutes early to make sure we get there on time.
-
Maybe you should consider finding a new job.
-
I should emphasize that these numbers are only estimates.
-
My friends say that I should quit the team.
-
What time should we meet? [=what is the best time for us to meet?; what time do you want to meet?]
-
Patients should inform the receptionist upon their arrival.
b
— used with have to say that something was the proper, reasonable, or best thing to do but was not done
-
You should have been more careful.
-
She shouldn't have spoken to him so rudely.
-
What should I have done?
-
Should I not have gone? [=was it wrong for me to go?]
-
I should have known that he would be late. [=I didn't know that he would be late, but it would have been reasonable for me to expect it because he is often late]
c
— used with have to say that you wish someone had seen, heard, or experienced something
-
You should have seen her face [=I wish that you had seen her face] when she opened the present.
-
It was so funny. You should have been there.
2
— used to ask for someone's opinion
-
Should [=(more formally) shall] I turn the music down?
-
What should we have for lunch?
3
— used to say that something is expected or correct
-
Everyone should [=ought to] have a copy of the handout.
-
There should be four place settings at the table, not six.
-
“He feels very sorry about what happened.” “Well, he should!”
-
You should be ashamed of yourself, behaving so rudely to our guests!
-
They should be here by now. = They should have arrived by now. [=I expected them to be here by now]
4
a
— used when saying that you feel a specified way about someone's words or behavior
-
I'm surprised that he should intentionally be so rude to you.
-
It's strange (that) you should say that.
-
Funny you should mention it. [=I think it's odd/strange that you mentioned it] I've been thinking the same thing.
b
— used to emphasize what you believe, think, hope, etc.
-
I should imagine it won't take more than two hours to drive there. [=I am fairly certain that it won't take more than two hours]
-
I should think not. [=I really don't think so]
-
I should hope that she would apologize. [=I expect her to apologize]
-
“She apologized for her rude behavior.” “Well, I should hope so!”
5
— used with have in negative statements as a polite way of thanking someone for doing something
-
You really should not have gone to all that trouble on my account—but I'm glad you did!
-
Flowers for me? You shouldn't have.
6
somewhat formal
— used to talk about the result or effect of something that may happen or be true
— usually used with if
-
Should [=if] you change your mind, please let us know.
-
I will feel very guilty should anything go wrong. [=if anything goes wrong]
-
I will feel very guilty if anything should [=were to] go wrong.
-
If he should call [=if he calls], tell him I'm not home.
-
If you should see them [=if you see them], say hello for me.
7
British
— used to say that you would do or feel something if something specified happened
— only used after I or we
-
If my husband treated me like that, I should [=would] divorce him.
-
I should be surprised if many people go to the fair on such a rainy day.
-
I should not be surprised if no one goes.
-
I shouldn't [=wouldn't] be surprised at all.
8
British
— used when giving someone advice
— only used after I or we
-
I should [=would] see a doctor if I were you.
9
British
— used to say that you want to do or want to have something
— only used after I or we
-
“They really need some help.” “Well, I should be glad to help them.”
-
I should like to call my lawyer.
-
“Would you care for a drink?” “I should like one very much.”
how/why should I/we know
— used to say that you do not know the answer to a question and are surprised that you were asked it
-
“Where did they go?” “How should I know?”
what/who should you see but
— used to say that you are surprised to see something or someone
-
I looked up and what should I see but a hummingbird hovering over my head.
-
They were walking along when who should they see but Kim!
