should

[ʃʊd]

should Definition

• 1. used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness
• 2. used 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

• should have

  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.'