should

The word “should” means used to give advice, an opinion, or an instruction about what is right or expected. In plain terms, a word for giving advice, expressing what's expected, or making a polite suggestion.

“Should” is pronounced shuhd (/ʃəd/ in IPA).

Here is “should” used in a sentence: “You should see a doctor about that cough.”

Words with a similar meaning to “should” include ought.

The opposite of “should” — its antonyms — is shouldn't.

“Should” is a verb.

The word “should” comes from Old English. The past tense of "shall" in Old English, which weakened over time into today's modal verb of advice and expectation.

“Should” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

Should gives advice or states what is expected or ideal — 'You should rest' is a recommendation you can choose to ignore. Must expresses obligation or necessity — 'You must rest' leaves little room for choice. Should is softer and more suggestive; must is firmer and often carries rules or hard requirements.

Should offers advice or expectation about what is right — 'You should call her.' Would describes hypothetical or conditional situations and willingness — 'I would call her if I had her number.' They sound similar but do different jobs: should is about duty or likelihood, would is about imagined outcomes.

Yes. Should is a modal verb, meaning it works alongside a main verb to add shades of meaning — here, advice, obligation, or expectation. Like other modals it does not change form for he, she, or it, and it is followed by the base verb: 'She should go,' never 'She should to go.'

Should appears when giving guidance or stating expectations: 'You should see a doctor,' 'We should leave soon,' or 'The parcel should arrive tomorrow.' The first two give advice, while the last predicts what is expected to happen — both core uses of the word.