Would o Should?
Do you often get confused about the two? Read on to find out why they are very different from each other.
Should
Should is a modal verb and that means
- that all the verbs which come after it must be in the present simple form
- the verbs must be without the infinitve ‘to’
- that should is always the same for all persons- it doesn’t change form
Should is used for the following purposes.
1. To give advice
You can use the modal verb ‘should’ to give friendly advice to others in the present time. Here is an example:
I have a splitting headche.
You should get some rest (advice).
2. To say that something was better done in a different way in the past time
I am disappointed that I didn’t win the match.
You should have trained harder if you really wanted to win.
In the example above, as the event happened in the past, we use three verbs (should have trained)
3. It is used in place of ‘if’
In a more formal context, we can use ‘should‘ instead of ‘if’
If you see the office close, please call the free phone number.
Should you see the office closed, please call the free phone number.
4. What is ideal or desired
We use should to talk about what is the ideal in a certain situation:
There should be more sport facilities in schools which will encourage children to take up sport.
5. What is likely to happen
We also use should to talk about what may happen in the future:
Train should be here any minute so let’s get ready.
Would
1. To express desire
We often use ‘would like‘ to say what we would like and that it is possible.
We are tired now and now we would like to rest.
2. To talk about past situations which were repeated
Grandad would talk about his youth days to us everyday.
3.To express a present situation in a conditional sense which is impossible.
If we were rich, we would live in a big house with a big garden.
4. Reported clauses
We use would as the past form of will in reported clauses.
I will let you know later.
He said that he would let me know later.
5. To give advice or being less direct
I‘d recommend calling the police.
You are 40 years old. –> I‘d say that you are 40 years old.
Where is Sally? –> I would imagine she is on her way.
Which route is better? –> I would recommend that you take M1 as it get there you there faster.
How far is Devon? It’s much further than London, I would think.
