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.
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.
