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should

[ʃʊd]

should Definition

  • 1used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness
  • 2used to indicate what is probable

Using should: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "should" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    You should brush your teeth twice a day.

  • Example

    I should be studying for my exam right now.

  • Example

    It should be sunny tomorrow.

  • Example

    He should have arrived by now.

should Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for should

  • must
  • ought to
  • have to
  • need to

Antonyms for should

  • shouldn't
  • ought not to
  • don't have to
  • needn't

Phrases with should

  • used to indicate that something was expected to happen but did not

    Example

    I should have studied more for the test.

  • shouldn't have

    used to indicate that something was done that was wrong or regrettable

    Example

    I shouldn't have eaten that entire pizza by myself.

  • shouldn't you

    used to make a suggestion or give advice

    Example

    Shouldn't you call your mom and wish her a happy birthday?

Origins of should

from Old English 'sceolde', past tense of 'sceal' meaning 'owe'

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Summary: should in Brief

The modal verb 'should' [ʃʊd] indicates obligation, duty, correctness, or probability. It is often used to give advice or make suggestions, as in 'You should brush your teeth twice a day.' 'Should' can also be used to express regret or expectation, as in 'I shouldn't have eaten that entire pizza by myself.'

How do native speakers use this expression?