should

When something is "supposed to" or "should" be a certain way, it means
that someone (or, particularly, some authority) feels that a certain result is expected, and that any
other result is bad. These words have no bearing on objective
reality, although people often use them as if they do.

For a week, try living without the word "should." You'll find that things can be rephrased to avoid using this hateful word. And the rephrasings have interesting differences that go right up to the semantic level.

Comapre:

"You shouldn't smoke."

"You'll be a lot healthier and happier if you quit smoking."

I'm not saying you shouldn't use the word should. :) I'm saying you'll be better off if you give this a try.

Agthorr: Or subjective reality, for that matter.

Should (?), imp. of Shall. [OE. sholde, shulde, scholde, schulde, AS. scolde, sceolde. See Shall.]

Used as an auxiliary verb, to express a conditional or contingent act or state, or as a supposition of an actual fact; also, to express moral obligation (see Shall); e. g.: they should have come last week; if I should go; I should think you could go.

Shak.

Syn. -- See Ought.

© Webster 1913.