English Grammar Exercises – Should

1. Tick (✓) the correct sentences.

1 a   After a match, the captain insists the football team should take things easy. ✓

   b   After a match, the captain insists the football team take things easy. ✓

   c   After a match, the captain insists the football team to take things easy.

2 a   The journalist demanded that the minister resigned.

   b   The journalist demanded that the minister resign.

   c   The journalist demanded that the minister should resign.

3 a   If you really want to get rich fast, I suggest you should work harder.

   b   If you really want to get rich fast, I suggest you work harder.

   c   If you really want to get rich fast, I suggest you to work harder.

4 a   He never has any money, so it’s very odd that he have a new car.

   b   He never has any money, so it’s very odd that he has a new car.

   c   He never has any money, so it’s very odd that he should have a new car.

5 a   I think the weather will stay dry, but you can borrow my raincoat if by any chance it rains.

   b   I think the weather will stay dry, but you can borrow my raincoat if by any chance it should rain.

   c   I think the weather will stay dry, but you can borrow my raincoat if by any chance it rained.

6 a   My doctor explained that it was important I should take more exercise.

   b   My doctor explained that it was important I take more exercise.

   c   My doctor explained that it was important I took more exercise.

2. There are mistakes in five of these sentences. Correct the sentences where necessary. Write ‘OK’ if the sentence is already correct.

1   We were very surprised that Tom behave in such a rude manner.

      …… that Tom behaved / that Tom should behave ……

2   I asked a friend about getting train tickets and he recommended to book online.

      …………………………………………………

3   The government accepted the recommendation that they reduce spending on the armed services.

      …………………………………………………

4   If I can’t use a phone here, how do you suggest me to contact my office?

      …………………………………………………

5   I shouldn’t go in there if I were you. They’re having an argument about money.

      …………………………………………………

6   Should be my phone off when you call, just leave a message on voicemail.

      …………………………………………………

7   It’s essential that I should see the doctor today.

      …………………………………………………

8   Why didn’t you demand the club to refund your subscription?

      …………………………………………………

3. Complete the conversation with should where necessary. Leave out should where possible.

BEN:  We’ve got a review of the company’s environmental footprint today and I can’t find our latest energy consumption figures. What (1) …should I do…… (I / do)?

SUE:   I really don’t know. It’s odd that (2) …………………………… (the figures / disappear) just when you need them. Did you ask Rose?

BEN:   Yes. She insisted that (3) …………………………… (I / check) all the files myself.

SUE:   She’s so unhelpful.

BEN:  And where’s Jack? He promised to update me on new machinery costs.

SUE:   I saw him printing off some figures a few minutes ago.

BEN:   It’s important (4) …………………………… (we / discuss) his report before the meeting.

SUE:   Shall I go and find him?

BEN:   No, (5) …………………………… (I / not / bother). He’s probably on his way.

SUE:   OK. Are you going to stay in the office over lunchtime?

BEN:   Yes. It’s vital (6) …………………………… (I / find) these figures for this afternoon’s meeting.

SUE:   Oh, right. Well, I’m going out to give a talk to some new graduates about our industry this afternoon, so, if (7) …………………………… (anyone / call), will you say I’m not available till tomorrow?

BEN:   Sure. Are we going to recruit new staff?

SUE:   I’d like to, but the accountant’s recommendation is that (8) …………………………… (we / wait) until later in the year. He says we can’t afford anyone yet. He suggests (9) …………………………… (we / hire) someone temporary if we really have to.

BEN:   Well, I suppose it’s only natural (10) …………………………… (he / be) cautious. But we could really do with permanent help.

SUE:   Yes, quite.