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Should in noun clauses after suggest, recommend, etc. Should is often used in a 'that' clause, after verbs like suggest, recommend, require, decide, etc.: I suggested (that) he should take legal advice. The law requires that all motor cars should be tested regularly for safety and efficiency. Should is sometimes omitted in such sentences, leaving only the infinitive without to: I suggested (that) he take legal advice. The verb form is then sometimes 'regularized' to give the 'normal' sequence of tenses: I suggested (that) he took legal advice. Should in adverbial clauses of purpose Should is sometimes used in adverbial clauses of purpose, after the conjunctions so that, in order that, lest, in case, etc.: I have put everything in writing so that you should know exactly how things stand. Should in noun clauses after subject + to be + adjective Should is also used in a 'that' clause after adjectives expressing pleasure, surprise, shock, or disapproval, in sentences of the pattern: Subject + to be + adjectibe + that clause I'm horrified that he should have told anyone. This use of should is particularly common when the subject is it: It's odd that you should mention his name. A similar pattern is found after adjectives like important, essential, imperative vital, inevitable: It's essential that you should be there to meet him. Should may be used in a conditonal clause, and has the effect of making it seem less likely that the condition will be fulfilled: If he should come while I'm at lunch, tell him I'll be back at two. |