The modals ‘would’ and ‘should’ can both be used with first person pronouns I and we as the less definite form of will and shall. Note that should is not normally used with this meaning in American English.
In both British and American English, we use ‘should’ to talk about obligations.
‘Would’ is mainly used to talk about past habits.
Can you use would and should correctly? Test your understanding with this grammar exercise.
1. Everybody ............................. wear seat belts.
We use should to talk about obligation. Would is not possible with this meaning.
2. When we were kids, we ................................ spend hours playing football.
To talk about past habits, we use 'would'.
3. I told them we ................................ probably be late.
In British English, with the first person pronouns I and we both would and should can be used to express simple futurity. Note that should is not normally used with this meaning in American English.
4. We ................................ be grateful for an early reply.
In British English, with the first person pronouns I and we both would and should can be used to express simple futurity. Note that should is not normally used with this meaning in American English.
5. People ............................... drive more carefully.
To express obligation, we use should.
6. ............................ you like something to eat?
In polite offers and requests, we use 'would', not 'should'.
7. ........................... we invite Mary?
8. You ............................... not have called him a fool - it really upset him.
We use 'should not have ' to refer to unwanted things that happened.
9. I knew that I ............................ write to her, but it seemed too difficult.
We use 'should' to talk about obligations.
10. ............................. we call the police?
In questions, should is used to ask for advice or instructions.
11. I wish you ................................... behave like this?
We use 'wish + would' to express ideas such as dissatisfaction or irritation.
12. I wish it ............................. stop raining.
Answers
1. Everybody should wear seat belts.
2. When we were kids, we would spend hours playing football.
3. I told them we would / should probably be late.
4. We should / would be grateful for an early reply.
5. People should drive more carefully.
6. Would you like something to eat?
7. Should we invite Mary?
8. You should not have called him a fool – it really upset him.
9. I knew that I should write to her, but it seemed too difficult.
10. Should we call the police?
11. I wish you wouldn’t behave like this.
12. I wish it would stop raining.
