Should (what's the purpose of it in this sentence)?

Question

1 I am surprised that he did it yesterday.  2 I am surprised that he should do it yesterday. 3 I am surprised that he should have done it yesterday. I understand 1 but what do 2 and 3 mean?

Cool Breeze · Accepted Answer

TicceI understand 1 but what do 2 and 3 mean?

Basically, they mean the same as #1. This use of should is emotional. It emphasises the surprise.

CB

CalifJim · Answer

TicceI understand 1 but what do 2 and 3 mean?

They all mean the same thing. If you want some terminology, it's called "evaluative should".

The main verb or expression tells us the subject's reaction to the situation described after "that".

There are an enormous number of choices for the expression that can go in the main clause.

surprised, astonished, amazed, baffled, puzzled, impressed, disturbed, astounded, appalled, intrigued, dismayed, shocked, saddened, distraught, disgusted, ...

I'm shocked that anyone should do such a thing.
Laura was impressed that Fred should remember her name.
Alice was astonished that there should be lit candles on the table.

The construction with 'should' is optional. (Laura was impressed that Fred remembered her name.)

CJ

AlpheccaStars · Answer

TicceI understand 1 but what do 2 and 3 mean?

#2 is primarily British English. Americans would not understand - we do not use "should" this way.

See entries #9 and 10

https://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/should

#3 -

3 I am surprised that my son should have turned in his report yesterday.

You just learned about the deadline your son was given to submit the report. It is highly likely that he did not do it because you were not prepared to nag him about it yesterday.

Should (what's the purpose of it in this sentence)?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions