Should

/ʃʊd/ modal verb

Should is used to talk about what is right, advisable, or expected, or to give gentle suggestions. It can also describe something likely or logically expected.

“Should” comes from Old English “sceolde,” the past tense of “sceal,” which gave us “shall.” Originally it expressed obligation or necessity. Over time, English separated “shall” and “should,” with “should” becoming softer and more about advice or expectation.

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