should

auxiliary verb

\ shəd ,

ˈshu̇d \

Definition of should

past tense 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 —William Shakespearethis is as it should be —H. L. Savageyou 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