Should for Assumption

Learn how to use should for assumptions in English.

Special Lesson Activities for This Grammar Point

Should - Assumptions

Point 1: We use should to express things that we expect to be true or come true.
  1. The bus usually arrives at this time.
    1. The bus should be here any minute.
  2. This medicine helps relieve pain.
    1. This medicine should help you.
  3. The weather is usually nice this time of year.
    1. The weather should be nice tomorrow.
Point 12: We use should not to express things that we do not expect to be true or come true.
  1. It is does not cost much money.
    1. It shouldn’t cost much money.
  2. It does not take a long time to do.
    1. It shouldn’t take long to do.
  3. The shop is supposed to be open.
    1. The shop shouldn’t be closed.
Point 3:  We use shouldn't in questions when we think something is not common or correct.
  1. You think a chair is misplaced.
    1. Shouldn't the chair be over here?
  2. You think the bus should be here.
    1. Shouldn't it be here by now?
  3. You thought the shop would be open.
    1. Shouldn’t the shop be open?
Point 4: When answering a question, we answer Yes and No differently.

Shouldn't the bus be here by now?

  1. Yes, it should.
  2. No, it is always late. (no + reason)

Shouldn't you be in bed?

  1. Yes, I should, but I can't sleep.
  2. No, I need to be awake. (no + reason)
Answer the following questions about the interview.

More Lessons


Should - Assumptions - Grammar Tutorial
B1-21 Should - Assumptions
Just turn right and you should see it.

Correlative Conjunctions - Grammar Tutorial
B1-22 Correlative Conjunctions
Neither Joe nor his wife can make it.

Non-Defining Relative Clauses - Grammar Tutorial
B1-23 Non-Defining Relative Clauses
There is a night market, which brings in lots of tourists.

Indirect Questions - Grammar Tutorial
B1-24 Indirect Questions
Do you know when we start?

Phrasal Verbs - Grammar Tutorial
B1-25 Phrasal Verbs
Yes, I just backed it up on our remote server.

Looking for more grammar lessons?

Get More Lessons Here >>

Beginner Grammar tutorials for A1 Level English Learners
Beginner Grammar tutorials for A2 Level English Learners
Intermediate Grammar tutorials for B1 Level English Learners
Intermediate Grammar tutorials for B2 Level English Learners
Advanced Grammar tutorials for C1 Level English Learners
Advanced Grammar tutorials for C2 Level English Learners

About the Teacher

My name is Todd Beuckens and I am an ESL teacher in Thailand. I created this site to provide teachers and students free audio lessons and learning materials not usually found in commercial textbooks.

Contact me here.

elllo productions © copyright 2023