Site Search:
 
Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!"
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

should

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Help Center
View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Calm-mind



Joined: 14 Nov 2006
Posts: 53
PostPosted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 3:59 am    Post subject: should Reply with quote
What does this should and the whole sentece mean? I understand it somehow but I'm not sure.

Nothing would please me more than that my daughter should pass the entrance exam.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
asterix



Joined: 26 Jan 2003
Posts: 1654
PostPosted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 5:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
If his daughter passes the exam he will be very happy.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Calm-mind



Joined: 14 Nov 2006
Posts: 53
PostPosted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 7:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
THanks asterix.
What does this should mean?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Mary W. Ng



Joined: 26 Jun 2006
Posts: 261
PostPosted: Fri Nov 24, 2006 1:20 pm    Post subject: Re: should Reply with quote
Quote:
Nothing would please me more than that my daughter should pass the entrance exam.
What does this should mean?

Should is used to say that that which is mentioned in the clause is not a fact.
_________________
Mary W. Ng
Helping students learn grammar
http:www.aimpublishing.com
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website
Calm-mind



Joined: 14 Nov 2006
Posts: 53
PostPosted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 6:15 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
Thanks Mary W. Ng. I see the usage but what does this should mean?
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
CP



Joined: 12 Jun 2006
Posts: 2875
Location: California
PostPosted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote
It means would.

Nothing would please me more than if it turns out that my daughter passes the exam. She might not, but I hope she shall. Shall turns into should just as will turns into would.
_________________
You live a new life for every new language you speak. -Czech proverb
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail
myprofe



Joined: 29 Jun 2004
Posts: 425
Location: Madrid, Spain - Native Boston, USA
PostPosted: Sat Nov 25, 2006 12:06 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote
CP is right. While in both American and British English should is used to indicate obligation the British also use it to form the conditional.
_________________
I'm never going to learn if you don't correct my mistakes!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Help Center All times are GMT - 8 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum


Dave's ESL Cafe is maintained by the one and only Dave Sperling.
Banner Advertising | Bookstore / Alta Books | FAQs | Articles | Interview with Dave
Copyright © 2018 Dave's ESL Cafe | All Rights Reserved | Contact Dave's ESL Cafe | Site Map

Teachers College, Columbia University: Train to Teach English Here or Abroad
SIT
Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2002 phpBB Group