SHOULD ADVANCED USES

What is the use/meaning of "should" in the following sentence?

"Children should look after their parents when they are old"

• To express something desirable or a moral duty.

• To give advice

• To express regret/criticism

• To express that something is probably true (you expect it to happen)

• In some formal structures "should" has to be used.

What is the use/meaning of "should" in the following sentence?

"I don't think you should mention that to her until she returns from her holidays"

• To express something desirable or a moral duty.

• To give advice

• To express regret/criticism

• To express that something is probably true (you expect it to happen)

• In some formal structures "should" has to be used.

What is the use/meaning of "should" in the following sentence?

"I shouldn't have cooked the chicken for so long. It's really dry"

• To express something desirable or a moral duty.

• To give advice

• To express regret/criticism

• To express that something is probably true (you expect it to happen)

• In some formal structures "should" has to be used.

What is the use/meaning of "should" in the following sentence?

"She should pass the exam. She's been studying for ages"

• To express something desirable or a moral duty.

• To give advice

• To express regret/criticism

• To express that something is probably true (you expect it to happen)

• In some formal structures "should" has to be used.

What is the use/meaning of "should" in the following sentence?

"It is vital that you should choose your degree carefully"

• To express something desirable or a moral duty.

• To give advice

• To express regret/criticism

• To express that something is probably true (you expect it to happen)

• In some formal structures "should" has to be used.

Answer explanation

We use "should" with adjectives such as "vital, important, necessary+ that clause; with "it's surprising, it's shocking" +that clause or with the verbs "suggest/ propose".

All these structures are FORMAL STRUCTURES and must be used in an appropriate context.

Which of the following sentences are grammatically correct?

• He suggested to visit the British Museum.

• She suggested visiting an old friend of hers.

• He suggested that she should have a holiday.

• He suggested that she have a holiday.