Use of Should - English Grammar - English Free Test

We use 'should' for giving advice.

Example

You should speak to him about it.
He should see a doctor.
We should ask a lawyer.

We use 'should' to give an opinion or a recommendation.

Example

He should resign now.
We should invest more in Asia.
They should do something about this terrible train service.

'should' expresses a personal opinion and is much weaker and more personal than 'must' or 'have to'. It is often introduced by ' I think'.

Example

I think they should replace him.
I don't think they should keep the contract.
Do you think we should tell her.

We can use 'should' after 'reporting verbs' such as
demand insist propose recommend suggest

Example

He demanded that we should pay for the repair.
She insisted that she should pay for the meal.
I have proposed that he should take charge of the organization.
The committee recommends that Jane should be appointed.
We have suggested that Michael should be given a reward for his hard work.

However, it is also possible to say exactly the same thing by omitting the 'should' and just using the infinitive form without 'to' . Some people call this the 'subjunctive' form.

Example

He demanded that we pay for the repair.
She insisted that she pay for the meal.
I have proposed that he take charge of the organization.
The committee recommends that Jane be appointed.
We have suggested that Michael be given a reward for his hard work.

We can use 'should' after various adjectives. Typical examples are :
funny interesting natural odd strange surprised surprising typical

Example

It's funny that you should say that. I was thinking exactly the same thing.
It's interesting that they should offer him the job. Not an obvious choice.
It's natural that you should be anxious. Nobody likes speaking in public.
Isn't it odd that he should be going to the same tiny hotel? What a coincidence.
It's strange that you should think so. Nobody else does.

We can use 'should' in 'if clauses' when we believe that the possibility of something happening is small.

Example

If you should happen to see him before I do, can you tell him that I want to speak to him urgently?
If there should be a problem, just give me a call and I'll sort it out.
If anyone should ask where I am, say I'm in a meeting.

We use 'should' in various fixed expressions.
To show strong agreement

Example

They're paying you compensation? I should think so.

To express pleasure when you receive a gift

Example

What a fantastic present. You really shouldn't have.

To emphasize a visible emotion

Example

You should have seen the look on her face when she found out that she had got the promotion.

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