We use should to talk about obligation, duty and similar ideas. It is less strong as must.Some Examples:1. Everybody should eat dinner. 2. You shouldn’t tell her bad stories. 3. Letters should be sent before October 30th. - In this situation, should is more polite that saying “Applications must be sent… |
4. Should I go and see a doctor, what do you think? 5. What should I do? - Should is used to ask for advice and instructions, in questions. Like a less definite form of shall. We can used should to say that we know something is probable. (because it is logical or normal in the circumstances.)Some Examples:1. She is out, but she should be back later. 2. Jan should get her soon. 3. We are taking a trip to Disneyland. That should be wonderful. |
In the past indirect speech, should is used unchanged if should was used in direct speech.Some Examples:1. I thought “I should talk to Jane” – I knew that I should talk to Jane. - In other cases, should + infinitive is not normally used to talk about the past. We can use for examples was/were supposed to… 2. I was going to be a long day. I was supposed to do all my homework and help in the household chores. 3. She was supposed to be present, but she wasn’t. |