Learn English Grammar and Vocabulary
Uses of Should
Should expresses duty or obligation.
- I should talk to him.
- We should seek his opinion.
- You should tell the truth.
- He should work hard.
Should can be used in conditional clauses expressing possibilities.
- If he should come, ask him to wait.
- Should it rain, we will not go out.
‘If he should come’ indicates less likelihood of his coming than ‘If he comes’.
Difference between should and shall
Should expresses less possibility than shall.
- I shall be happy to help you.
- I should be happy to help you.
Should expresses a coloring of doubt to the statement. The first sentence expresses a greater willingness to help than the second sentence.
Should is the past tense of shall in indirect speech.
- Direct: He said, ‘The criminals shall be punished.’
- Indirect: He said that the criminals should be punished.
Should may also express possibility or likelihood.
- I should be able to beat him.
- You should be able to finish the work in time.
- That should be fine.
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