Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

SHOULD

392

Uses

Should

has a number of meanings. It can refer to things that are likely or possible,

but it is more frequently used to refer to things that are desirable, and to give

advice and make suggestions. It is also used in conditional sentences.

652 | Modality

Cambridge Grammar of English

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What is desirable

The most frequent uses of should are to indicate what the speaker considers to be

the ideal or desired state of affairs:

He 

should have been here at five and he’s not here yet.

She 

should be wearing glasses.

[complaining about the inadequacies of the English national school inspection

system]

A: I think there should be some kind of system, Mary. 

B: Yes. Oh I agree. 

A: I think the authorities should do it and there should be, you know,

guidelines from a central place. 

B: Uh huh. 

A: Erm, and er, it should be done thoroughly. 

B: Yes.