Should

Definition

Should is a modal verb used to indicate obligation, recommendation, or expectation. It helps express advice or suggests that something is the right thing to do, and it can also indicate a conditional statement about the future. In various sentence moods, it serves different functions that guide how a speaker communicates necessity or recommendation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Should is often used to give advice, such as 'You should study for the exam.'
2. In conditional sentences, 'should' can imply a sense of expectation, as in 'If you should see him, tell him I said hi.'
3. 'Should' can express a moral obligation or duty, like in 'You should always tell the truth.'
4. The past tense of 'should' is 'should have,' which indicates regret about a past action, such as 'I should have called you yesterday.'
5. 'Should' is commonly used in polite suggestions and recommendations in conversations.

Review Questions

• How does 'should' function differently when used in the indicative mood compared to the subjunctive mood?
  • 'Should' in the indicative mood is used to express recommendations or obligations regarding real situations, such as 'You should complete your assignment on time.' In contrast, when used in the subjunctive mood, it expresses hypothetical situations or wishes that are not necessarily real, for example, 'If I should win the lottery, I would travel the world.' The key difference lies in whether the situation is actual or merely imagined.
• Analyze how the use of 'should' changes the meaning of sentences within conditional statements.
  • 'Should' introduces a sense of expectation or contingency in conditional statements. For instance, saying 'If you should need help, feel free to ask' implies that help is available but only if the need arises. This creates a nuance of possibility rather than certainty. It contrasts with a more straightforward approach like 'If you need help,' which presents a direct condition without the subtlety of expectation that 'should' provides.
• Evaluate the implications of using 'should' in persuasive writing and its effectiveness in conveying advice or recommendations.
  • 'Should' serves as a powerful tool in persuasive writing by establishing authority and guiding readers towards specific actions. When a writer employs phrases like 'You should consider this approach,' it not only recommends an action but also creates an implied obligation for the reader to heed that advice. The effectiveness of 'should' lies in its ability to evoke a sense of moral duty and encourage compliance, making it a pivotal element in arguments aimed at influencing opinions and behaviors.

Related terms

Modal Verb: A type of auxiliary verb used to express ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.

Indicative Mood: A grammatical mood used for stating facts, opinions, or asking questions.

Subjunctive Mood: A grammatical mood used to express wishes, hypotheticals, or situations contrary to fact.