Main Entry:

should

Pronunciation:

\shəd, ˈshu̇d\

Function:

verbal auxiliary

Etymology:

Middle English sholde, from Old English sceolde owed, was obliged to, ought to

Date:

before 12th century

past of shall

1—used in auxiliary function to express condition <if he should leave his father, his father would die — Genesis 44:22(Revised Standard Version)>2—used in auxiliary function to express obligation, propriety, or expediency <'tis commanded I should do so — Shakespeare><this is as it should be — H. L. Savage><you should brush your teeth after each meal>3—used in auxiliary function to express futurity from a point of view in the past <realized that she should have to do most of her farm work before sunrise — Ellen Glasgow>4—used in auxiliary function to express what is probable or expected <with an early start, they should be here by noon>5—used in auxiliary function to express a request in a polite manner or to soften direct statement <I should suggest that a guide…is the first essential — L. D. Reddick>