Here we are again with another great English lesson from our good friend Miranda González!
Quiz time! Which English word fits ALL four situations below?
1. I only have three dollars for the bus. That _____ be enough, right?
2. The dishes are dirty. We _____ wash them.
3. If anyone _____ call, tell them that I am busy.
4. He failed the test. He _____ have studied.
Did you guess it? Answer: SHOULD. Let’s go over the examples I gave you.
#1 Use “should” for probability
When you are almost sure but not totally sure, you can use “should” to express about 90% certainty.
Example: He has been studying a lot, so he should do well on the test.
#2 Use “should” for advisability
“Should” expresses anything from a friendly suggestion to an obligation. You can usually tell the difference by the subject matter and the tone of someone’s voice.
Compare:
You should get some rest. (Friendly suggestion)
All drivers should obey the speed limit. (Duty or obligation)
#3 Use “should” in an if-clause to express a little more uncertainty than the simple present tense
Compare:
If you have any problems, call me. (I think you might run into a problem.)
If you should have any problems, call me. (I’m not sure if you will have a problem.)
You can also drop the “if” and put “should” before the subject.
Should you have any problems, call me. = If you should have any problems, call me.
#4 Use “should have” + a past participle for past advisability
We use this to express something that would have been a good idea in the past, but we didn’t do it.
Example: I didn’t know you were coming. You should have called me. (It’s obviously too late now, but I’m telling you what I think you should have done in the past, probably so that you don’t do it again!)
Homework time!
What do you wish you had done in the past? Tell us in the comments.
“I should have….”
About Miranda
Miranda is an English and Spanish teacher who advocates for dual language education in public schools. She lives in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, where she and her husband are raising three bilingual children.
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