should

Examples

• All

• 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

O

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

S

shouldst

vsshould

• Archaic

2 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

Idioms

Z

to zig when someone should zag

• Informal

1 9.9

To do the wrong thing when a different action is needed

Y

you should see the other guy

• Informal

1 9.7

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

W

who should not

• Informal

1 9.9

You say this after praising yourself to seem modest or unsure

Z

to zig when he should zag

• Informal

1 9.9

To make the wrong choice when a different action is needed

How Obligatory

to must

∞ 1.0

should

∞ 1.0

may

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology