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- pronunciation:
- shUd
| 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.I should go home now; it's getting late and I have to get up early.He should invest in a good mutual fund.We all know we should eat more fruits and vegetables.- 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.He hasn't eaten since early this morning, so he should be pretty hungry when he gets back. |
| 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?These packages should be easy to open, but they're just impossible without a scissors.Why is this hammer on the kitchen table? It should be with the tools in the basement. |
| 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.This insurance policy will protect your family should you die while you are still young.If she should refuse, we will have to consider another candidate.Should you have any difficulty, my assistant will help you. |
| 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.I told her I should return in the spring. |
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