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Unit 34 · Modals

should 2

Study

A

You can use should after:

insist demand recommend suggest propose
›

I insisted that he should apologise.

›

Doctors recommend that everyone should eat plenty of fruit.

›

What do you suggest we should do?

›

Many people are demanding that something should be done about the problem.

also

It’s important/vital/necessary/essential that … should … :

›

It’s essential that everyone should be here on time.

You can also leave out should in the sentences in section A. So you can say:

›

It’s essential that everyone be here on time. (= … that everyone should be here …)

›

I insisted that he apologise. (= … that he should apologise)

›

What do you suggest we do?

›

Many people are demanding that something be done about the problem.

This form (be/do/apologise etc.) is called the subjunctive. It is the same as the infinitive (without to).

You can also use normal present and past forms:

›

It’s essential that everyone is here on time.

›

I insisted that he apologised.

B

We do not use to … with suggest. You can say:

›

What do you suggest we should do?

or

›

What do you suggest we do? (but not What do you suggest us to do?)

Jane won the lottery.

›

I suggested that she should buy a car with the money she won.

or

›

I suggested that she buy a car.

or

›

I suggested that she bought a car. (but not I suggested her to buy)

You can also use -ing after suggest (What do you suggest doing?). See Unit 53.

C

You can use should after some adjectives, especially:

strange odd funny typical natural interesting surprised surprising
›

It’s strange that he should be late. He’s usually on time.

›

I was surprised that he should say such a thing.

D

You can say ‘if something should happen …’ . For example:

›

We have no jobs at present, but if the situation should change, we will contact you.

You can also begin with should (Should something happen …):

›

Should the situation change, we will contact you.

This means the same as ‘If the situation changes, …’ . With should, the speaker feels that the possibility is smaller.

E

You can use I should … / I shouldn’t … to give advice. For example:

›

‘Shall I leave now?’ ‘No, I should wait a bit.’ (= I advise you to wait)

Here, I should … = ‘I would … if I were you’, ‘I advise you to …’ . Two more examples:

›

‘I’m going out now. Is it cold outside?’ ‘Yes, I should wear a coat.’

›

I shouldn’t stay up too late. You have to be up early tomorrow.

F

should 1 ➜ Unit 33 American English ➜ Appendix 7

Exercises (5)

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34.1

Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first.

  1. 1
    ‘It would be a good idea to eat more fruit,’ the doctor said to me.
    The doctor recommended that I more fruit.example
  2. 2
    ‘You really must stay a little longer,’ she said to me.
    She insisted that I .
  3. 3
    ‘Why don’t you visit the museum after lunch?’ I said to them.
    I suggested that .
  4. 4
    ‘You must pay the rent by Friday,’ the landlord said to us.
    The landlord demanded that .
  5. 5
    ‘Let’s go to the cinema,’ Chris said to me.
    Chris suggested that .
34.2

Two of these sentences are not correct. Change the two that are not correct.

  1. 1
    What do you suggest ?
  2. 2
    I suggest this book.
34.3

Complete the sentences using should + verb. Choose from:

askbebe doneleavesayvoteworry
  1. 1
    It’s strange that he late. He’s usually on time.example
  2. 2
    It’s funny that you that. I was thinking the same thing.
  3. 3
    It’s only natural that parents about their children.
  4. 4
    Isn’t it typical of Joe that he without saying goodbye to anybody?
  5. 5
    I was surprised that they me for advice. What advice could I give them?
  6. 6
    This is a democratic election, and it’s important that you .
  7. 7
    The bridge needs to be repaired. It’s essential that the work as soon as possible.
34.4

Complete the sentences using If … should … . Choose from:

anyone / askthe situation / changeit / rainthere / any problems
  1. 1
    We have no jobs at present.
    If , we’ll let you know.example
  2. 2
    I’ve hung out the washing to dry on the balcony.
    If , can you bring it inside?
  3. 3
    I think everything will be OK.
    If , I’m sure we’ll be able to solve them.
  4. 4
    I don’t want anyone to know where I’m going.
    If , say you don’t know.
  5. 5
    Now complete the same sentences beginning with Should … .
    , we’ll let you know.example
  6. 6
    , can you bring the washing inside?
  7. 7
    , I’m sure we’ll be able to solve them.
  8. 8
    where I’m going, say you don’t know.
34.5

Complete the sentences using I should. Choose from:

callgetkeepwait
  1. 1
    ‘Shall I leave now?’
    ‘No, I a bit.’example
  2. 2
    ‘Shall I throw these things away?’
    ‘No, I them. You may need them.’
  3. 3
    ‘Shall I go and see Paul?’
    ‘Yes, but I him first.’
  4. 4
    ‘Is it worth getting this computer repaired?’
    ‘No, I a new one.’