📒 used to show what is right, appropriate, etc., especially when criticizing somebody’s actions
- You shouldn't drink and drive.
- He should have been more careful.
- A present for me? You shouldn't have! (= used to thank somebody politely)
📒 used for giving or asking for advice
- You should stop worrying about it.
- Should I call him and apologize?
- I should wait a little longer, if I were you.
📒 used to say that you expect something is true or will happen
- We should arrive before dark.
- I should have finished the book by Friday.
- The roads should be less crowded today.
📒 used to say that something that was expected has not happened
- It should be snowing now, according to the weather forecast.
- The bus should have arrived ten minutes ago.
📒 used as the past form of shall when reporting what somebody has said
- He asked me what time he should come. (= His words were: ‘What time shall I come?’)
- (British English, formal) I said (that) I should be glad to help.
📒 used after that when something is suggested or arranged
- She recommended that I should take some time off.
- In order that training should be effective it must be planned systematically.
📒 used with I and we to give opinions that you are not certain about
- I should imagine it will take about three hours.
- ‘Is this enough food for everyone?’ ‘I should think so.’
- ‘Will it matter?’ ‘I shouldn't think so.’
📒 used for expressing strong agreement
- ‘I know it's expensive but it will last for years.’ ‘I should hope so too!’
- ‘Nobody will oppose it.’ ‘I should think not!’
📒 used to refuse something or to show that you are annoyed at a request; used to express surprise about an event or a situation
- Why should I help him? He's never done anything for me.
- How should I know where you've left your bag?
- I got on the bus and who should be sitting in front of me but Tony!
📒 used to tell somebody that something would surprise them or make them laugh if they saw or experienced it
- You should have seen her face when she found out!
- I said I’d (I would) be late.
- He’d (he would) have liked to have been an actor.
📒 used after that after many adjectives that describe feelings
- I'm anxious that we should allow plenty of time.
- I find it astonishing that he should be so rude to you.
📒 used with I and we in polite requests
- I should like to call my lawyer.
- We should be grateful for your help.
📒 used after I or we instead of would for describing what you would do if something else happened first
- If I were asked to work on Sundays, I should resign.
📒 used to refer to a possible event or situation
- If you should change your mind, do let me know.
- In case you should need any help, here's my number.
- Should anyone call (= if anyone calls), please tell them I'm busy.