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Should Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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should

[ʃʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Modal verb

expressing obligation or duty

Used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness, typically when criticizing someone's actions.

Synonyms

must, need to, ought to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
should

Used to give advice or recommendations, indicating that something is a good idea or the right thing to do.

  • You should eat more vegetables to stay healthy.
  • She should apologize for her mistake.
ought to

Used to give advice or recommendations, similar to 'should' but often suggests a moral obligation. Can appear more formal or old-fashioned.

  • You ought to visit your grandparents more often.
  • She ought to take better care of her health.
must

Used to express strong obligation, necessity, or certainty. Indicates that something is essential or required.

  • You must wear a helmet while riding a bike.
  • We must finish this project by the end of the week.
need to

Used to indicate necessity, emphasis on a requirement or duty. It often implies something is essential.

  • I need to call my mom before dinner.
  • You need to complete your homework before playing games.

Examples of usage

  • You should apologize for your behavior.
  • We should always treat others with respect.
  • Should you need any assistance, please let me know.
Context #2 | Modal verb

expressing possibility or likelihood

Used to indicate what is probable or expected in a particular situation.

Synonyms

expected to, likely to.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
should

To express a degree of obligation or duty. Similar to giving advice but with a moral or ethical tone.

  • You should respect your elders
  • People should follow the law
likely to

To describe something that has a good chance of happening. It expresses probability without certainty.

  • It's likely to rain later today
  • He's likely to win the competition
expected to

To indicate something that is anticipated or believed likely to happen, often based on plans or schedules.

  • The train is expected to arrive at 10 AM
  • She is expected to give a presentation at the meeting

Examples of usage

  • It should be sunny tomorrow.
  • She should have received the package by now.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'should'

The word 'should' originated from the Old English word 'sceolde', the past tense of 'sceal' which meant 'owe' or 'shall'. Over time, 'should' evolved to its current usage in Modern English, serving as a modal verb to express various meanings of obligation, duty, possibility, or likelihood.

See also: shoulder.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #44, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.