Should after adjectives

Question

It's strange that he SHOULD BE late. He's usually on time.The above sentence is correct. How?Isn't this suppse to be like this: It's strange that is late. He's usually on time.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

IELTS instructorIsn't this supposed to be like this: It's strange that he is late. He's usually on time.

Both versions are correct. "Should be" is a higher register phrase.

IELTS instructor · Answer

I was surprised that he should say such a thing.
I was surprised that he said such a thing.
Is it still the same?

Fivejedjon · Answer

In some that clauses after nouns, verbs and adjectives expressing the importance, necessity or desirability of an action, we can use the indicative or a should construction in British English: a subjunctive is possible in American English:

I insist that he is/should be/be there.
It is essential that he is/should be/be there.

The should pattern appears to have spread to other adjectives, even if they have no suggestion of importance, necessity or desirability.:

It is interesting/strange that he is/should be there.

I don't know if the subjunctive is possible in such sentences in AmE.

Avangi · Answer

IELTS instructorI was surprised that he should say such a thing.

I was surprised that he said such a thing.

Is it still the same?

The meanings are the same.

CalifJim · Answer

IELTS instructorIt's strange that he SHOULD BE late. He's usually on time.The above sentence is correct. How?

This usage is called 'evaluative' should. The fact of his lateness is being evaluated as a strange occurrence.

To my ear, ... that he should be late is one step removed from the simpler ... that he is late. It is one level of abstraction above the simpler statement.

It's [strange / odd / surprising / (many other emotional reactions)] that he is late reflects only on the lateness on this one occasion.
It's [strange / odd / surprising / (many other emotional reactions)] that he should be late reflects on more than just the lateness associated with this one occasion. It adds the idea that it is strange (odd, etc.) for him to be late. It suggests that he is not normally late, so it brings in another dimension to the statement in which a given behavior is compared to a normative behavior.

This is my opinion when I apply some introspection to find how I "feel" the difference between these two sentences. Others may have different opinions.

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

IELTS instructor I was surprised that he should say such a thing.I was surprised that he said such a thing.Is it still the same?

You can add the phrasing that I use:

I was surprised that he would have said such a thing.

The simple past is more direct, referring to a single definite event - he really said it, and I was surprised.

The modals are less precise.
I was surprised not only that he said it, but that he thought about saying it, as if it is out of character for him.

CalifJim · Answer

AlpheccaStarsout of character for him

Ah! That's the expression I was looking for.

CJ

Fivejedjon · Answer

I think that CJ's and AS's responses are more convincing than mine.

Should after adjectives

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