should
shuhd
Should (verb) means used to give advice, an opinion, or an instruction about what is right or expected. Example: “You should see a doctor about that cough.”
verb
1
Used to give advice, an opinion, or an instruction about what is right or expected.
"You should see a doctor about that cough."
"We should leave now if we want to catch the train."
"Students should check their answers before handing in the paper."
2
Used to say something is expected or likely to be true.
"The package should arrive by Friday."
"The soup should be ready in about ten minutes."
"It should be sunny tomorrow, so the picnic is still on."
3
Used (especially with "I" or "we") as a more polite or tentative form of "would".
"I should think that's the right answer."
"I should be grateful if you could reply by Monday."
"We should like to thank everyone for coming this evening."
How to use should
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for giving advice, expressing what's expected, or making a polite suggestion.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "should have" with the misspelling "should of" — the "of" comes from the way "should've" sounds when spoken quickly.
Common pairings
should have
you should
it should be
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like should.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- shoulds
- Third person singular
- shoulds
- Past tense
- shoulded
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
You _____ see a doctor about that cough.
Etymology
The past tense of "shall" in Old English, which weakened over time into today's modal verb of advice and expectation.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
shouldn't
Related words
Rhymes for should
See all rhymes for should →Frequently asked questions
What does “should” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “should”?
“Should” is pronounced shuhd (/ʃəd/ in IPA).
How do you use “should” in a sentence?
Here is “should” used in a sentence: “You should see a doctor about that cough.”
What is another word for “should”?
Words with a similar meaning to “should” include ought.
What is the opposite of “should”?
The opposite of “should” — its antonyms — is shouldn't.
What part of speech is “should”?
“Should” is a verb.
Where does the word “should” come from?
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.
Is “should” a common word?
“Should” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between should and must?
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.
What is the difference between should and would?
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.
Is should a modal verb?
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.'
What is an example of 'should'?
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include should:
