Should

It is a modal auxiliary verb used primarily to give or ask advice or make recommendations. It can also be used with “I” or “we” in conditional clauses.

“Should” comes first in a verb phrase, that is, after the subject and before any other verb in the sentence.

Examples of how “should” is used include:

• I should try to save more for Thanksgiving.
• I should feed my dog only once today.
• We should cook dinner early today.
• I should improve my English.
• You should get at least 8 hours of sleep per day.
• You should bathe twice a day.

“Should” can also be formulated in a question form to ask for or give advice or make recommendations.

• What should I do to qualify for the raffle draw?
• Should I save more?
• Should I have pizza or waffles?

Here is a scenario where the importance of “should” is evident:

• Q: Why should we cook dinner early today?
• A: We should cook dinner early today if we want to catch up with the game.