should

Frequently used with time expressions (by now, in five minutes, soon) and with 'be' as the main verb. The negative 'should not / shouldn't' expresses that something is not expected. For past expectations that did not happen, use 'should have + past participle' (e.g., 'The train should have arrived by now').

More formal than a simple 'if' clause. 'Should' can be placed before the subject, removing 'if' entirely — this inversion is common in official documents and formal letters. In everyday speech, a simple present tense in the if-clause is more natural: 'If you see Zayd...'

Primarily used in formal or written English. In informal conversation, speakers often omit 'should' and use a simple present tense instead: 'It's strange that she refuses such a generous offer.' Distinguish from sense 5 (SUGGESTION OR DEMAND), which follows verbs of suggestion rather than adjectives of feeling.

In American English, the subjunctive form without 'should' is more common: 'The committee recommended that the funds be used…' Both forms are correct. In British English, 'should' is still frequent in this pattern, though it is becoming less common in informal contexts. Distinguish from sense 4 (THAT-CLAUSE FEELINGS), where the main clause describes a feeling rather than a suggestion or requirement.

This structure is quite formal. In everyday speech, 'so that' + a present or past tense verb is more natural: 'She left early so that she would not miss the train.' In American English, this construction is very rare; 'can', 'could', 'will', or 'would' are preferred instead of 'should'.

Lest is very formal and rare in everyday speech. In case and for fear that are more common. American English often uses the present simple or subjunctive instead of should in these patterns (e.g., 'in case it rains' instead of 'in case it should rain').

When the speaker wants to refuse a request or show annoyance, 'why should I/we...' carries a strong emotional tone — it implies 'I have no reason or obligation to do this.' Distinguish from sense 1 (CORRECT THING), where 'should' expresses obligation: 'You should go' is quite different from 'Why should I go?'

This use of 'should' for I/we instead of 'would' is much more common in formal British English than in American English, where 'would' is used for all persons. Many British speakers also now use 'would' in everyday speech. Distinguish from sense 1 (CORRECT THING): 'I should go' can mean either 'I ought to go' (sense 1) or 'I would go' (sense 9), depending on context.

The pattern 'You should see / hear / try...' is a fixed expression that does NOT give advice — it means 'If you saw/heard/tried it, you would be surprised or impressed.' Distinguish from sense 1 (CORRECT THING), where 'you should see a doctor' means 'it is a good idea for you to see a doctor.'

This sense is nearly always used with 'if I were you' or in a context where the listener knows the speaker is giving indirect advice. It sounds polite and friendly, not pushy. Distinguish from sense 1 (CORRECT THING): 'You should go' (direct advice, sense 1) vs 'I should go if I were you' (indirect, polite, sense 11). The grammar is different — sense 11 always starts with 'I', while sense 1 can have any subject.