Pronunciation

/ˈʃʊd/

Definitions

Verb

1. Modal verb: Expresses possibility, obligation, advice, or recommendation. For example: “You should study harder for the exam.” “I should have called earlier.”
2. Infinitive: To indicate what one ought to do or would naturally do in a given situation. For example: “We should be grateful for what we have.” “It’s important that you should apologize.”

Phrases

• “Should have done” implies something was missed or regretted.
• “Could/Should/Would + have + past participle” expresses hypothetical regret.
• “Should be” suggests an expectation or requirement.
• “It’s best to do sth.” means it’s advisable or recommended.

Example Sentences

• Recommendation: “You should try this new restaurant in town.”
• Obligation: “You should turn off the lights when you leave the room.”
• Hypothetical regret: “I should have studied more for the test.”
• Expectation: “The weather should clear up by tomorrow.”

Synonyms

• Ought to
• Need to
• Be supposed to
• Presumably
• Reasonably

Antonyms

• Shouldn’t (negative form)
• Wouldn’t (conditional form)
• Could not (impossibility)