shoulds

Verb

should (third-person singular simple present should, no present participle, no simple past or past participle)

1. (auxiliary, defective, modal, no-past, no-present-participle, participle) Used to issue an instruction (traditionally seen as carrying less force of authority than alternatives such as 'shall' or 'must').
   • You should never drink and drive.
2. (auxiliary, defective, modal, no-past, no-present-participle, participle) Used to give advice or opinion that an action is, or would have been, beneficial or desirable.
   • You should go and see that film. I think you'll enjoy it.
3. (auxiliary, defective, informal, modal, no-past, no-present-participle) With verbs such as 'see' or 'hear', usually in the second person, used to point out something remarkable in either a good or bad way.
   • You should see his new apartment. It's like a palace!
4. (auxiliary, defective, modal, no-past, no-present-participle, participle) In questions, asks what is correct, proper, desirable, etc.
   • What do you think? What should I do?
5. (auxiliary, defective, modal, no-past, no-present-participle, participle) Indicates that something is expected to have happened or to be the case now.
   • They should have finished by now; I'll call them to check.
6. (auxiliary, defective, modal, no-past, no-present-participle, participle) Will be likely to (become or do something); indicates a degree of possibility or probability that the stated thing will happen or be true in the future.
   • They should have it finished by Friday.

See all 12 meanings of should