“Should” is a common word in English, and it can be very useful when you want to start a sentence. But how do you use it properly? In this article, we’ll break it down step-by-step. We’ll also give examples for both formal and informal situations and suggest alternatives.
What Does “Should” Mean?
“Should” is a modal verb. We use it to:
- Give advice.
- Show expectation.
- Talk about obligation.
- Express possibility.
Let’s look at examples for each:
- Advice: “Should I go to the doctor?”
- Expectation: “The package should arrive tomorrow.”
- Obligation: “You should respect your elders.”
- Possibility: “Should you need help, call me.”
When Is It Okay to Start a Sentence with “Should”?
Starting a sentence with “should” is grammatically correct. You can use it in both formal and informal writing, but the tone and context matter.
Formal Situations
In formal writing, “should” is often used to discuss rules, expectations, or conditional statements.
Examples:
- “Should any questions arise, please contact our team immediately.”
- “Should you choose to accept this offer, let us know by Friday.”
Informal Situations
In casual conversations or writing, starting with “should” makes your sentence sound like advice or a suggestion.
Examples:
- “Should I wear a jacket today?”
- “Should we order pizza for dinner?”
Examples of “Should” at the Beginning of Sentences
Advice
- “Should I apologize to him?”
- “Should we talk to her about it?”
Possibility
- “Should you get lost, call this number.”
- “Should he arrive early, we will start the meeting.”
Obligation
- “Should you see her, let her know I’m coming.”
- “Should you agree to the terms, please sign here.”
Tips for Using “Should” Correctly
- Think about the tone: Decide if formal or informal phrasing fits your context.
- Add context: Don’t let “should” stand alone. Provide reasons or conditions.
- Stay clear and simple: Avoid using “should” if it makes the sentence confusing.
Alternatives to Starting a Sentence with “Should”
Sometimes, you might want to rephrase a sentence to avoid overusing “should.” Here are some alternatives:
Replace with “If”
- Instead of “Should you need help, call me,” you can say, “If you need help, call me.”
Use “It is recommended that…”
- Replace “Should we bring jackets?” with “It is recommended that we bring jackets.”
Reframe as a question
- Change “Should we leave now?” to “Do we need to leave now?”
Use a direct statement
- “Should I apply for the job?” becomes “I’m thinking about applying for the job.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too vague: Make sure your sentence gives enough detail.
- Poor: “Should you.”
- Better: “Should you decide to go, let me know.”
- Overusing in formal writing: Too many “shoulds” can make your writing sound stiff.
- Using it where it doesn’t fit: Not all advice or questions need “should.”
Practice Examples
Try rewriting these sentences to make them clearer or more natural.
- “Should you go out today, take an umbrella.”
- “Should I tell him the truth now or wait?”
- “Should we have told them about the delay earlier?”
Here are possible revisions:
- “If you go out today, take an umbrella.”
- “Do you think I should tell him the truth now or later?”
- “Maybe we should have informed them about the delay earlier.”
Conclusion
Using “should” at the beginning of sentences is a useful tool in both formal and informal settings. It’s a simple way to show advice, obligation, or possibility. Remember to keep it clear and appropriate for your audience. Don’t forget, there are many alternatives if “should” feels overused or unnatural.
Now it’s your turn! Practice using “should” in your sentences or try the suggested alternatives. This simple trick can make your English sound polished and professional.
