Skip to main content
should

should

1.0
To tell someone what is the right or best thing to do
  • auxiliary
  • /ʃʊd/
translation icon : deber
  • Should I call her now?

Examples

  • Students should always check their work before submitting it.

  • You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

  • If you want to stay healthy, you should exercise regularly.

  • You should study for the exam.

  • You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve.

  • If you want to stay healthy, you should exercise regularly.

  • Students should always check their work before submitting it.

Synonyms

shouldst
vsshould
  • Archaic
9.9

To be an old form people used with 'thou' to give advice or talk about duty

is the modern general form used to give advice and suggestions
ought
vsshould
3.4

To be expected or right to do something and likely to happen

is used mainly to give advice or recommend actions

Idioms

who should not
  • Informal
32 9.9

You say this after praising yourself to seem modest or unsure

Says as a joke to show someone else is more hurt after a fight

To make the wrong choice when a different action is needed

To do the wrong thing when a different action is needed

How Obligatory

to must
1.0
should
1.0
may
1.0

Surface Forms

should infinitive

Etymology

The word should comes from an old English past form of shall, a verb that once meant 'to owe' or 'to be obliged'. So telling someone they should do something is like saying it is the right or proper thing to do.