Key Concept of Using “Should” for Advice in Hypotheticals

When giving advice in hypothetical situations, “should” is used to express what would be advisable or wise if something were true or happened. In these cases, we’re talking about situations that might not be real yet, but we’re imagining them as possibilities.

Example:

• “If you should go to London, you should visit the British Museum.”
• Meaning: If you end up going to London, it’s a good idea to visit the British Museum.

How to Structure “Should” in Hypothetical Advice

1. Starting with “If” + Subject + “Should”
   • Use “if” to introduce the hypothetical condition, followed by the subject and “should.”
   • Example: “If you should need help, just let me know.”
2. Using “Should” with the Main Verb to Give Advice
   • After stating the condition, “should” is used in the advice to recommend an action.
   • Example: “If he should find the missing keys, he should bring them back to the office.”

Examples and Explanations

Example 1

• Hypothetical: “If you should see Anna at the party, you should say hello.”
• Explanation: The advice is given based on the hypothetical possibility of seeing Anna at the party.

Example 2

• Hypothetical: “If they should decide to move abroad, they should make sure to learn the language.”
• Explanation: Here, “should” is used to give advice about moving abroad—a situation that hasn’t happened yet but is possible.

Example 3

• Hypothetical Condition with Stronger Emphasis on the Possibility: “Should you need any assistance, please feel free to ask.”
• Explanation: This is a more formal way of phrasing the hypothetical. It’s polite and helpful advice, assuming assistance might be needed.

Why Use “Should” in Hypotheticals?

Using “should” in hypothetical advice softens the tone, making it sound less like a command and more like a friendly suggestion. It’s useful for:

• Politeness: Hypothetical statements often sound gentler, which is great for formal or polite situations.
• Hypothetical Thinking: Imagining situations and providing advice for “what if” scenarios.

Practice Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct hypothetical advice:

1. If he _______ (should/would) miss the meeting, he _______ (should/would) email the team immediately.
2. _______ (Should/If) they feel lost, they _______ (should/would) ask for directions.
3. If you _______ (should/would) have any concerns, you _______ (should/would) contact customer service.

Answers:

1. If he should miss the meeting, he should email the team immediately.
2. Should they feel lost, they should ask for directions.
3. If you should have any concerns, you should contact customer service.