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- pronunciation:
- shUd
- features:
- Grammatical Patterns
| part of speech: |
auxiliary verb |
| definition 1: |
used to indicate that some action is advisable, advantageous, or important for one to do.
You have a fever, and you should stay in bed.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
I should go home now; it's getting late and I have to get up early.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
He should invest in a good mutual fund.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
We all know we should eat more fruits and vegetables.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
- similar words:
- need
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| definition 2: |
used to indicate what can be reasonably expected based on logical inference.
They said ten o'clock, so they should be here soon.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
He hasn't eaten since early this morning, so he should be pretty hungry when he gets back.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
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| definition 3: |
used to express someone's opinion of the proper behavior, functioning, or state of something, even if it does not reflect reality.
Men should act decisively, don't you agree?[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
These packages should be easy to open, but they're just impossible without a scissors.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
Why is this hammer on the kitchen table? It should be with the tools in the basement.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
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| definition 4: |
used to express the possibility of something happening although it is considered very unlikely (used in conditional clauses beginning with "if," or at the beginning of a clause, inverting with the subject, but having the same meaning as if the clause began with "if").
If any accident should happen, here is the number to call.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
This insurance policy will protect your family should you die while you are still young.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
If she should refuse, we will have to consider another candidate.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
Should you have any difficulty, my assistant will help you.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
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| definition 5: |
past tense of "shall" (used after verbs in the past tense that express speech or thoughts).
I thought I should never see him again.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
I told her I should return in the spring.[modal verb + bare infinitive
]
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