Using “Should” in English

Using “Should” in English: Grammar Rules and Examples

Hello, dear English learners! If you’re preparing for the Cambridge B2 First (FCE) or C1 Advanced (CAE) exam, mastering grammar structures like “should” is essential. This little word appears in many exam-style tasks — from essays and proposals to speaking answers — and it’s often used in formal English to express advice, obligation, and suggestion. In today’s lesson, you’ll learn how to use should correctly after certain verbs, adjectives, and conjunctions, how it connects to the subjunctive mood, and how native speakers use it in everyday English. Whether you’re aiming for grammatical accuracy or a more natural speaking style, this post will help you express yourself with confidence.

“Should” after particular verbs

We often use should after verbs such as insist, suggest, recommend, demand, and propose when we’re expressing an idea, request, or recommendation.

• I insisted that she should apologise for being rude.
• The doctor recommended that you should drink more water.
• What do you suggest we should do next?
• The citizens demanded that something should be done about the noise.
• The manager proposed that we should meet again next week.

Leaving out “should” (the subjunctive form)

In British English, we can also omit should after these verbs and use what’s called the subjunctive form — which looks like the base form of the verb (be, do, apologise, etc.).

• It’s essential that everyone be here on time. (= … should be)
• I insisted that he apologise. (= … should apologise)
• What do you suggest we do?
• Many people demand that action be taken.

The subjunctive is often used in formal or written English, especially in that-clauses following words like essential, important, necessary, etc.

You can also use normal present or past forms

In everyday English, people often prefer normal verb forms instead of the subjunctive, especially in informal speech.

• It’s essential that everyone is here on time.
• I insisted that he apologise.

After “suggest” — common mistake

After suggest, never use to + infinitive (to do, to buy, to go).

You can say either:

What do you suggest we should do?

What do you suggest we do?

 …but ❌ not “What do you suggest us to do?”

• I suggested that Tom should buy a new car.
• I suggested that Tom buy a new car.
• I suggested buying a new car. ✅
• ❌ I suggested Tom to buy a car.

“Should” after certain adjectives

We can also use should after adjectives expressing emotion, opinion, or surprise — such as strange, funny, natural, typical, odd, interesting, surprising, and shocking.

• It’s strange that he should be so nervous before the meeting.
• I was surprised that she should say something like that.
• It’s natural that they should feel worried before an exam.

 “Should” in conditional sentences

We can use should in if-clauses to sound formal or to show that something is unlikely.

• If the weather should change, we’ll cancel the picnic.
• Should the weather change, we’ll cancel the picnic. (= If the weather changes)
• This use suggests that the speaker thinks the situation is not very probable.

“I should…” / “I shouldn’t…” for giving advice

In British English, I should / shouldn’t + verb is a polite way to give advice. It means I would… if I were you.

• “I’m tired.” → “You should go to bed early.”
• “Shall I apply for that job?” → “Yes, I should try if I were you.”
• “I’m meeting my boss tomorrow.” → “Then you should prepare your notes.”
• “I have a headache.” → “You shouldn’t skip lunch again.”

Summary

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