should

UK: ʃʊd | US: ʃʊd

Definition
  1. modal v. used to indicate obligation, duty, or correctness

  2. modal v. used to indicate what is probable or expected

  3. modal v. used to give or ask for advice

Structure
shall <obligation>
Etymology

"Should" originated as the past tense of "shall," which comes from Old English "sceal," meaning "to owe" or "to be obliged." Over time, "should" evolved to express weaker obligation, probability, or advice, while "shall" retained stronger futurity or command. The "-d" suffix marks its historical past-tense form, though it no longer functions strictly as such in modern usage.

Examples

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