Understanding “Should” – A Complete Guide to Modal Verbs in English

Modal verbs are essential building blocks of English grammar that help express necessity, advice, obligation, or probability. Among these, “should” is one of the most commonly used and versatile modal verbs. In Hindi, it translates to “चाहिए” (chahiye) or “होना चाहिए” (hona chahiye).

Meaning and Usage of “Should”

“Should” is used to express:

1. Advice or recommendations (सलाह)
2. Mild obligation (हल्का दायित्व)
3. Probability or expectation (संभावना)
4. Regret about past actions (अफसोस)

Structure:

Subject + should + base form of verb (V1) + object

Examples:

• You should drink more water. (तुम्हें अधिक पानी पीना चाहिए।)
• She should arrive by 5 PM. (उसे शाम 5 बजे तक आ जाना चाहिए।)

When to Use “Should”?

1. Giving Advice
   You should exercise regularly.
   (आपको नियमित व्यायाम करना चाहिए।)
2. Expressing Mild Obligation
   Students should complete their homework.
   (छात्रों को अपना गृहकार्य पूरा करना चाहिए।)
3. Talking About Probability
   The package should arrive tomorrow.
   (पैकेज कल आ जाना चाहिए।)
4. Expressing Regret (with “should have”)
   I should have studied harder.
   (मुझे और मेहनत से पढ़ना चाहिए था।)

Difference Between “Should” and Other Modal Verbs

Modal Verb	Usage	Example
Should	Advice/mild obligation	You should apologize.
Must	Strong obligation	You must wear a seatbelt.
Ought to	Moral obligation (more formal)	You ought to help the poor.

15 Examples of “Should” (English & Hindi)

S.No.	English Sentence	Hindi Translation
1.	You should respect your elders.	आपको अपने बड़ों का सम्मान करना चाहिए।
2.	She should visit a doctor.	उसे डॉक्टर के पास जाना चाहिए।
3.	We should protect the environment.	हमें पर्यावरण की रक्षा करनी चाहिए।
4.	He should be more careful.	उसे और सावधान रहना चाहिए।
5.	Students should revise daily.	छात्रों को रोज पढ़ाई दोहरानी चाहिए।
6.	You should eat more fruits.	आपको अधिक फल खाने चाहिए।
7.	They should arrive soon.	उन्हें जल्दी आ जाना चाहिए।
8.	I should call my parents.	मुझे अपने माता-पिता को फोन करना चाहिए।
9.	Employees should be punctual.	कर्मचारियों को समय का पाबंद होना चाहिए।
10.	You should wear a helmet.	आपको हेलमेट पहनना चाहिए।
11.	She should apply for the job.	उसे नौकरी के लिए आवेदन करना चाहिए।
12.	We should save money.	हमें पैसे बचाने चाहिए।
13.	Children should play outdoors.	बच्चों को बाहर खेलना चाहिए।
14.	You should check the facts.	आपको तथ्यों की जांच करनी चाहिए।
15.	He should take a break.	उसे विश्राम करना चाहिए।

Special Cases and Exceptions

1. “Should” in Questions
   Should I call the manager?
   (क्या मुझे मैनेजर को कॉल करना चाहिए?)
2. Negative Form (“Should not” or “Shouldn’t”)
   You shouldn’t smoke.
   (आपको धूम्रपान नहीं करना चाहिए।)
3. Past Form (“Should have”)
   You should have told me earlier.
   (आपको मुझे पहले बताना चाहिए था।)

Conclusion

“Should” is an extremely useful modal verb that helps express advice, mild obligations, probabilities, and regrets. Its versatility makes it essential for everyday English conversations. By mastering “should,” you can give suggestions, state expectations, and express what is considered proper or right in various situations.

Remember: Use “should” when giving advice or expressing what is proper, but switch to “must” when something is absolutely necessary!