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 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
