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

What is likely or possible

Another frequent use of should is where speakers indicate what they think is

likely to occur:

[answerphone message]

Hello. Er, this is a message for Helen Mitchell. It’s Frampton College,

Allchester. Erm your evening class tonight has had to be cancelled because the

lecturer’s ill but it 

should be back to normal next week. Thank you.

[a teacher talking about the school day]

A: Tomorrow I’ve got a lot of sport. Cos I’ve got games in the morning then I’ve

got swimming for four lessons. 

B: It should be a pleasant day then. 

A: Mm. 

Should

can also be used in a more general way to refer to ‘possible worlds’ or

events which might possibly happen:

It seems unfair that you 

should have to do all the driving. Let me drive.

Why 

should anyone object to her getting the job?

Surprise

Should

is also used for events which did happen but to which the speaker reacts

with surprise or disbelief:

I’m sorry that he 

should be so upset by what I said.

I’m amazed that he 

should have done something so stupid.

Suggestions

Should

is very common in advice-giving and in making suggestions:

You 

should tell him straight what you think.

We 

should leave it till tomorrow, don’t you think.