If you feel confused over when to use 'shall' and 'should', you're not alone. Even native English speakers use these modal verbs incorrectly, at times. Or, more exactly, they use them interchangeably - as though they're the same.
In a sense, they are. However, 'shall' and 'should' represent different tenses, and they're used to express different moods. They're used in different contexts, too.
To help you learn when shall vs. should is this modal verb's correct form, Superprof explains:
- how shall and should became common English modal verbs
- what the difference is between shall and should
- how to use shall and should in formal and informal English
- situations when you might use shall or should
To start our lesson, here's your first challenge. "Shall we start" or "Should we start" exploring this topic? You'll know that answer by the end of this article. Now, let's explain these modal verbs and how to use them.
An Overview of 'Shall' and 'Should'
The modal verb 'shall' tells a fascinating story. It originated sometime between the 5th and 7th Centuries; a loan from Germanic languages. Initially, the Old English 'sceal' - its original spelling, meant: "I owe", "I must" and "I will have to".
We can easily see those phrases represent a sense of duty. If you owe somebody something, you must repay them or risk losing their respect. You may even be cast out from society.
This little bit of history gives us a clue on 'shall's intended meaning and how to use this modal verb properly. We must note that it is not used in that sense, today.
That explains 'shall'; what about 'should'? This modal verb was/is the past tense of 'shall'. This is where the story gets interesting.
The modal verb 'shall' has lost any sense of its 'duty and obligation' meaning. In fact, its definition, in our times, comes closer to the modal verb 'will' than to its historical roots. By contrast, 'should' has kept its sense of duty. However, it has lost its connection to its root verb, 'shall'.
Typically, modal verbs, also called modal auxiliary verbs or helping verbs, form a part of a predicate clause to establish its meaning. For instance, "He shall arrive tomorrow!" tells us 'his' arrival is definite. By contrast, "He should arrive tomorrow" shows that we're not sure when 'he' will be here.
You can use 'shall' and 'should' on their own, in certain cases. For example, imagine this exchange: "You should clean your room". "You're right, I should".
You'll notice that, in the first sentence, 'should' helps 'clean'. It gives this sentence the feeling of a suggestion. In the answering sentence, 'should' doesn't help any other verb. In that case, we must accept its meaning as an obligation.
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Analyzing the Differences Between 'Shall' and 'Should'
The previous segment taught us one vital difference between 'shall' and 'should': their meanings. However, words don't just have definitions; they have intent. They give the idea or concept they represent layers of meaning and purpose. Let's go shopping together, so you can see how these word qualities work.
Shall we go shopping?
- shopping must be done
- we have the money to buy what we need
- we go together or I go alone
- maybe not a fun outing, but necessary
Should we go shopping?
- we don't really need anything
- we might not have the money to shop
- we might find something nice
- we're trying to decide on a fun outing
This comparison aids us to understand how each question conveys a different set of meanings. In the first, shopping is the main idea. In the second, uncertainty is the topic at hand.
To communicate anything as a condition, you must always use 'should'. It adapts well to the subjunctive mood because of its blend of uncertainty and obligation.
"Should I need any help, I'll be sure to call you." tells us that the speaker doesn't know if they will need any assistance. It also hints that the speaker knows their duty is to call their friend for assistance.
We could continue listing the differences between shall and should, along with examples. However, this table should be a more efficient way demonstrate their usage and contrasts.
| Situation | Shall | Should |
|---|---|---|
| give advice | ✓ | |
| describe a future action | ✓ | |
| express a decision | ✓ | |
| make a suggestion | ✓ | |
| state an intention | ✓ | |
| communicate expectation | ✓ | |
| show surprise/anger | ✓ | |
| make an invitation | ✓ | |
| build conditional clauses | ✓ | |
| make an offer | ✓ | |
| make a promise | ✓ | |
| hint at obligation | ✓ | |
| ask for advice | ✓ |
Before moving on to other aspects of these two English modal verbs, we must clarify how to use 'should' to express anger or surprise. Let's say your friend owes you £10, but hasn't mentioned their obligation to pay you back over the past few weeks. When you talk with them about it, they might say: "Maybe next month, after I get paid."
You've already waited too long and now you're getting angry. Imagine their reaction when you reply: "I should say sooner than that!". This suggests that if you were in their shoes, you would pay as soon as possible. The suggestion of obligation that 'should' carries is obvious, in this context.
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Formal vs. Informal Contexts: Choosing the Right Word
If you watch certain British television series, you're bound to hear the characters use 'shall' and 'should' often. Such shows might include The Crown and any other Royals-related fare, as well as legal dramas. The latter type of shows especially favours 'shall'. That's because this verb is regularly used in this context.
Because 'shall' is more definite and insistent, it projects more authority. Imagine a judge saying "The plaintiff should pay restitution in the amount of £1500". As our table in the previous segment shows, that's a suggestion, not an order.
The judge would be just as ineffective by saying: "The plaintiff may (or might) pay restitution...". If you ever are a defendant in court, let's hope your judge will issue this order: "The plaintiff shall pay..."
'Shall' has a more formal tone to it. Consider the difference between "Can I take your coat?" and "Shall I take your coat?". The first sounds as though the speaker wants your permission to steal your outerwear. The second is an invitation to make yourself more comfortable.
You must take care to not over-use 'shall'. Or worse, use it in the wrong settings. Working the less forceful 'should' into your conversations will show you as less rigid and more friendly.
Real-world Examples to Clarify 'Shall' and 'Should' Usage
"Shall we marry?" Scott Landon, Lisey's Story
Stephen King
This award-winning tale describes an author with a dark secret and the woman who kept his madness at bay. After his death, Lisey must go through his manuscripts as well as her memories of their love and life together. She describes "Shall we marry?", the phrase Scott proposed to her with, as delightfully old-fashioned and over-the-top romantic.
Indeed, it sounds so much more formal than "Will - or even Might you marry me?" In fact, that common phrase comes across as an ultimatum. Let's discover more ways we can improve our English communication with shall and should.
If you enjoy helping people, 'shall' serves as an invitation. "Shall I help you carry your bags?" would be great in a supermarket carpark, when you see someone struggle to manage everything. When you see somebody in distress, you might ask: "Shall I ring 999?" to summon the police or an ambulance.
As a helpful person, people might come to you for advice. "Should I take English classes or study with an English language tutor?" gives you the chance to advance that person's decision. "Should we plan a holiday abroad or save our money, for now?" is the perfect opening to let them discuss their financial worries.
Using 'should' to communicate expectation can be a little tricky. "I should know tomorrow whether I passed my course." means you expect the news by that time. On the other hand, "Should you see her, tell her I said hello!" communicates some level of expectation that the person will carry out your request. But it's more of a conditional phrase than an expectation.
Remember that 'shall' and 'should' signify a difference between a duty and a recommendation. "Students shall turn in their essays by Friday" is something every student receiving that instruction must do. However, "Students should hand in their essays by Friday" suggests you might bargain for a bit more time if you have a good reason to.
What if you must - or have to decline an instruction, invitation or suggestion? "So sorry, I shan't be finished on time" is one way to write a negative 'shall'. It follows the same pattern as "We shouldn't go". You might also use 'shall not' and 'should not', but only if you must be forceful.
To conclude, let's answer the challenge from this article's introduction. 'Shall we start?' is correct because we invite you to continue learning with us.
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