Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the correct usage of ‘should’ and ‘will’ in English? These modal verbs are commonly used to express a range of concepts including obligation, consequence, and possibility. While their fundamental uses are straightforward, there are a few specific instances where ‘should’ and ‘will’ take on unexpected roles. This article aims to explore these exceptions, providing clarity and enhancing your understanding of these essential words.
When “Should” Means “Will Probably”
1. Expressing a Future Possibility
‘Should’ can be used to express a high likelihood that something will happen. In this context, it implies that the speaker believes the action will probably occur. For example:
I should be home when you arrive.
In this sentence, the speaker is confident that they will likely be home, but adds a level of uncertainty by using ‘should’ instead of ‘will’.
Example:
If it rains tomorrow, we should go to the library instead of the park.
Here, the speaker predicts that it is likely to rain and therefore it is probably best to choose the library as an alternative.
2. Indicating Inevitability
‘Should’ can sometimes denote an inevitable outcome, suggesting a strong prediction based on current circumstances. For example:
If you eat too much sugar, you should expect to get a headache soon.
In this sentence, the speaker is indicating that eating too much sugar will likely result in a headache, based on general knowledge or experience.
When “Should” Means “If”
3. Introductory Clause for Conditional Sentences
‘Should’ is often used to introduce a conditional sentence, indicating a hypothetical situation or a recommendation. In these cases, ‘should’ plays a role similar to the word ‘if’. For example:
Should you arrive home tonight, I will be there.
Here, the speaker is speaking about a hypothetical situation - the possibility of the other person arriving home. The sentence is a polite, conditional statement inviting the person’s attention to be there upon arrival.
Example:
Should it rain during the game, we should seek shelter immediately.
Similar to the previous example, this sentence introduces a condition (it raining) and suggests an appropriate action (seeking shelter).
Conditional Use of “Should”
Although ‘should’ often denotes obligation or recommendation, in the context of conditional statements, it simply serves as an introductory word. The actual recommendation or condition comes after ‘should’.
If you should need further information, feel free to contact me.
In this sentence, ‘should’ is used to introduce a hypothetical condition and does not express a recommendation.
When “Will” Discusses the Future
4. Predicting Future Events
‘Will’ is primarily used to talk about future events with certainty or prediction. However, it can also be used as a contracted form of ‘would’ to express a hypothetical situation, similar to ‘should’.
Example:
We will have finished the project by the end of the week.
This usage of ‘will’ is straightforward, indicating certainty about a future event.
Using “Will” to Express Hypotheticals
In some contexts, ‘will’ can also be used to introduce hypotheticals, often with ‘should’:
If I should win the lottery, I will travel the world.
Here, ‘will’ is used to express the action that would occur if the hypothetical condition (winning the lottery) were to become true. The combination of ‘should’ and ‘will’ in this sentence creates a clear, flexible structure for introducing hypothetical conditions.
Conditional Predictions
‘Will’ can also be used in conjunction with a conditional clause to make a prediction about a future event, much like ‘should’. For example:
If it should rain, we will stay inside.
While this sentence includes a hypothetical condition (it raining) and a prediction (staying inside), both ‘should’ and ‘will’ serve different roles – ‘should’ introduces the condition and ‘will’ predicts the outcome.
Conclusion
Understanding the Nuances of “Should” and “Will”
To summarize, ‘should’ and ‘will’ have more than one usage and sometimes these usages can intertwine, leading to some confusion. However, recognizing these specific exceptions can help refine your English skills and make your communication clearer.
For instance, ‘should’ is often used to express a possibility or inevitability, and it can also open a conditional sentence. On the other hand, ‘will’ is most commonly used to predict future events with certainty, but it can also be used to introduce hypothetical conditions.
By mastering these nuances, you can enhance your language proficiency and effectively convey your intended meanings in English.
Related Keywords:
should, will, exceptions, English grammar