Should

Quick meaning: Should is a verb meaning simple past of shall.

Meaning

simple past of shall.

More Meanings

1. Ought to; indicating opinion, advice, or instruction, about what is required or desirable.
2. Ought to; expressing expectation.
3. An alternative to would with first person subjects.
4. To suggest (that someone ought to do something, or that something ought to be the case) by, or as if by, using the word should.
5. Something that ought to be the case as opposed to already being the case.
6. (subjunctive) Used to form a variant of the present subjunctive, expressing a state or action that is hypothetical, potential, mandated, etc.

Example Sentences

I told him that I should be busy tomorrow.

Should you need extra blankets, you will find them in the closet.

It's his proposal that there (should) not be several dozen units.

If I should be late, I should hope that you are prepared to go on without me.

Word Forms

• shou'd
• shoulde
• shoulds
• shoulding
• shoulded

Synonyms for should

Depending on context, synonyms include ought, were, need, must.

Antonyms for should

Common opposites include shouldn't.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include ought, must, need, supposed, expected, forecast.

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