§18. Other uses of should

Verb + should

We can use that... should after verbs like suggest, insist, recommend, agree; we often leave out that in an informal style.

I suggest (that) he should see the doctor. She insisted (that) I should take the money. I agreed (that) we should tell the police.

Adjective + should

We can use (that) ... should after adjectives which express feelings eg surprised, sorry, shocked, interesting, strange.

I was surprised (that) she should fail/have failed the exam.

I am sorry (that) he should feel so unhappy. It is interesting (that) you should say that.

We also use (that)... should after adjectives such as important, essential, natural and similar adjectives.

It is important (that) we should arrive on time.

It is essential (that) he should be prepared for

this.

It is advisable (that) every one should have a

map.

Ideas like these can also be expressed without should.

I was surprised (that) she failed the exam. It is important (that) we arrive on time.

// ... should ...

If you should see Tom this evening, can you tell him to phone me?

This is similar to 'If you see Tom' (without should). With should the speaker is less certain.

If it should rain, can you bring in the washing

from the garden?

Don't worry if I should be late home tonight.

You can also begin with should (before the subject):

Should you see Tom this evening, can you tell him to phone me?

Activities

I. Report these ideas using the verbs in brackets followed by (that) ... should, as in the example.

Example 'You must visit us,' they said to me. (insist) They insisted (that) I should visit them.

1. 'Why don't you apply for the job?' she said to me. (suggest)

2. 'Stay in bed for a few days,' the doctor said to him. (recommend)

3. 'You must help me,' he said to me. (insist)

4. 'Let's go to the cinema,' they said to us. (suggest)

5. 'You must pay the rent by Friday at the latest,' he said to us. (demand)

6. 'Why don't you go away for a few days?' Jack said to me. (suggest)

7. 'You really must stay a little longer,' she said to me. (insist)

8. 'Yes, let's invite him to the party,' she said to me. (agree)

//. Complete each sentence using should and the most suitable verb in the box. Use each verb only once.

Example The situation is very difficult, but it's important that everybody should stay calm.

come pass feel worry listen leave say

1. It's essential that Sarah ... the exams if she wants to go to university.

2. It was embarrassing that Simon ... into the room just as we were talking about him.

3. I'm sorry that you ... so angry. I didn't mean to upset you.

4. It's funny that you ... that. I was going to say the same thing.

5. It's only natural that parents ... about their children.

6. Isn't it typical of him that he ... without saying goodbye?

7. It's very important that everyone ... very carefully.

III. In this exercise you have to use if ... should ...

Example: I don't suppose you'll see Tom this evening but if you should see him, can you ask him to phone me?

1. I don't think Ann will arrive before I get home but... can you look after her until I come?

2. I don't think there will be any letters for me while I'm away but ... , can you send them on to this address?

3. I don't suppose you'll need any help but ... , just let me know.

4. I don't think you will see Jane but ... , give her my love.

5. I don't think he will succeed but ... , no one will be more pleased than I.

IV. Put should or would in the spaces in the following sentences.

1. ... you mind opening the door? 2. ... you like another cup of coffee? 3. He insisted that the newspaper ... print an apology. 4. The old admiral ... sit for hours watching the ships. 5. ... you be so good as to keep an eye on my house while I am away? 6. I ... say nothing about it if I were you. 7. That dress doesn't suit you; you ... buy another. 8. If you pulled the communication cord the train ... stop and you ... be fined. 9. They went to the cinema at 2.30, so they ... be back here by 6.00. 10. ... you please help me with this? 11. It

is very strange that he ... think that. 12. I wish he ... not play his radio so loudly. 13. ... you be very kind and lend me your typewriter? 14. I ... like to know where you have been. 15. It was decided that the matter ... be referred to a special committee. 16. Perhaps you ... be kind enough to let us know about this. 17. If the telephone ... ring please say that I'll be back at six. 18. ... you like to come or ... you rather stay here? 19. There are too many accidents. Everyone ... be much more careful. 20. Their method was always the same; they ... wait till their victim had left the bank and then go up to him and ask for a light. 21. What are you doing here? You ... be in bed. 22. It is essential that this matter ... be kept out of the newspapers. 23. He suggested that the money ... be raised by public subscription. 24. If you ... change your mind, this address will always find me. 25. If this machine ... at any time fail to give complete satisfaction please post us the enclosed card. 26. If he offered me money I ... refuse. 27. I wish you ... not ask so many questions. 28. He ordered that Tom ... leave the house at once. 29. I ... be most grateful if you ... do this for me. 30. He is anxious that everyone ... understand why he acted as he did. 31. You ... not argue with your father; you ... obey him. 32. He was a very patient cat; he ... sit for hours beside a mousehole. 33. ... the pain return take one of these pills. 34. It is important that I ... see him at once.

V. Translate from Russian into English.

1. Мы можем опоздать. Я предлагаю взять такси. 2. Мой . муж настаивает на том, чтобы мы провели отпуск в Пари­же. 3. Отец потребовал, чтобы я бросил курить. 4. Врач порекомендовал, чтобы я провел лето на море. 5. Мэри предложила, чтобы мы купили подарок Джону, который скоро покидает фирму. 6. Отец согласился, чтобы я при­нял участие в поездке. 7. После ужина он предложил пойти в кино, но она отказалась. 8. Они все согласились, что надо что-то делать с мальчиком. 9. Он настаивал на том, чтобы я взял отпуск. 10. Вот я и подумал, что ведь аб­сурд, что мы живем рядом и не разговариваем. 11. Важ-

но, чтобы вы упомянули об этом. 12. Мне жаль, что ты так плохо обо мне думаешь. 13. Было странно, что в ее возрасте она так безразлична к вечеринкам. 14. Я был удивлен, что он не сдал экзамен. 15. Необходимо , чтобы она пришла пораньше. 16. Он был доволен, что Кэт все же назвала ребенка в его честь. 17. В случае, если пойдет дождь, я останусь дома. 18. Если случится так, что она приедет, я дам тебе знать. 19. Если вдруг кто-нибудь по­звонит, скажи, что я вернусь к 5 часам.