ctivnan
04/19/09, 09:23 AM
:music: USES OF SHOULD :music:
Advanced aspects
Here we look at some structures with "should" that are typical of formal English.
Conditional meaning
If we think something is possible, but not very likely to happen, we can use "should" in "if"-clauses:
> If you should see Andrew, please tell him to call me.
With a similar meaning, we can also use "should" after "in case" in formal British English.
> I've brought my laptop in case we should need to check any old files.
In very formal, written style, we can begin the conditional clause with "should" instead of "if":
> Should you have any problems installing the program, please call our helpline.
Note that "should" is immediately followed by the subject. There is no possibility of a contracted "shouldn't" here.
Structures with "that"
In formal English, some structures are typically followed by a subjunctive. Instead of the subjunctive, British English speakers often use "should". Here are some examples:
> They insisted that he destroy the papers. (subjunctive)
---- They insisted the he should destroy the papers.
> My boss suggested that I be rewarded with some extra days off. (subjunctive)
---- My boss suggested that I should be rewarded some extra days off.
Other examples (of verbs followed by the subjunctive):
accept, agree, arrange, ask, beg, demand, ensure, order, propose, recommend, request
"It is" + certain adjectives + "that":
> It is essential that she know where we stand. (subjunctive)
---- It is essential that she should know where we stand.
> It is best that we be informed beforehand. (subjunctive)
---- It is best that we should be informed beforehand.
Further adjectives of this type:
crucial, imperative, important, necessary, vital
A number of other adjectives expressing surprise or disbelief + "that" are also often followed by "should":
> It was surprising that they should have reacted like that.
Other examples:
amazed, amazing, anxious, astonished, astonishing, disgusted, disgusting, odd, strange, sorry, surprised
Source: Business English 6/2008. Language Grammar at Work: Uses of "Should" by Anna Hochsieder
:Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068:
Advanced aspects
Here we look at some structures with "should" that are typical of formal English.
Conditional meaning
If we think something is possible, but not very likely to happen, we can use "should" in "if"-clauses:
> If you should see Andrew, please tell him to call me.
With a similar meaning, we can also use "should" after "in case" in formal British English.
> I've brought my laptop in case we should need to check any old files.
In very formal, written style, we can begin the conditional clause with "should" instead of "if":
> Should you have any problems installing the program, please call our helpline.
Note that "should" is immediately followed by the subject. There is no possibility of a contracted "shouldn't" here.
Structures with "that"
In formal English, some structures are typically followed by a subjunctive. Instead of the subjunctive, British English speakers often use "should". Here are some examples:
> They insisted that he destroy the papers. (subjunctive)
---- They insisted the he should destroy the papers.
> My boss suggested that I be rewarded with some extra days off. (subjunctive)
---- My boss suggested that I should be rewarded some extra days off.
Other examples (of verbs followed by the subjunctive):
accept, agree, arrange, ask, beg, demand, ensure, order, propose, recommend, request
"It is" + certain adjectives + "that":
> It is essential that she know where we stand. (subjunctive)
---- It is essential that she should know where we stand.
> It is best that we be informed beforehand. (subjunctive)
---- It is best that we should be informed beforehand.
Further adjectives of this type:
crucial, imperative, important, necessary, vital
A number of other adjectives expressing surprise or disbelief + "that" are also often followed by "should":
> It was surprising that they should have reacted like that.
Other examples:
amazed, amazing, anxious, astonished, astonishing, disgusted, disgusting, odd, strange, sorry, surprised
Source: Business English 6/2008. Language Grammar at Work: Uses of "Should" by Anna Hochsieder
:Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: :Fish Smiley 6068: