verb
should
shuhd
verb
1
Used to give advice, an opinion, or an instruction about what is right or expected.
"You should see a doctor about that cough."
"We should leave now if we want to catch the train."
2
Used to say something is expected or likely to be true.
"The package should arrive by Friday."
3
Used (especially with "I" or "we") as a more polite or tentative form of "would".
"I should think that's the right answer."
How to Use Should
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word for giving advice, expressing what's expected, or making a polite suggestion.
Common mistake
Don't confuse "should have" with the misspelling "should of" — the "of" comes from the way "should've" sounds when spoken quickly.
Common pairings
should have
you should
it should be
Word Forms
shoulded past tense, shoulds plural, should singular, shoulds singular
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You _____ see a doctor about that cough.
Etymology
The past tense of "shall" in Old English, which weakened over time into today's modal verb of advice and expectation.