NOTE

We will use the standard of underlining subjects once and verbs twice.

Being able to find the right subject and verb will help you correct errors of
subject-verb agreement.

Basic Rule. A singular subject (she, Bill, car) takes a singular verb (is, goes,
shines), whereas a plural subject takes a plural verb.

Example: The list of items is/are on the desk.

If you know that list is the subject, then you will choose is for the verb.

Rule 1. A subject will come before a phrase beginning with of. This is a key rule
for understanding subjects. The word of is the culprit in many, perhaps most,
subject-verb mistakes.

Hasty writers, speakers, readers, and listeners might miss the all-too-common
mistake in the following sentence:

Incorrect: A bouquet of yellow roses lend color and fragrance to the room.

Correct: A bouquet of yellow roses lends . . . (bouquet lends, not roses lend)

Rule 2. Two singular subjects connected by or, either/or, or neither/nor require a

singular verb.

Examples:
My aunt or my uncle is arriving by train today.
Neither Juan nor Carmen is available.
Either Kiana or Casey is helping today with stage decorations.

Rule 3. The verb in an or, either/or, or neither/nor sentence agrees with the noun
or pronoun closest to it.
 Examples:
Neither the plates nor the serving bowl goes on that shelf.
Neither the serving bowl nor the plates go on that shelf.

This rule can lead to bumps in the road. For example, if I is one of two (or more)
subjects, it could lead to this odd sentence:

Awkward: Neither she, my friends, nor I am going to the festival.

If possible, it's best to reword such grammatically correct but awkward

sentences.

Better:
Neither she, I, nor my friends are going to the festival.
OR
She, my friends, and I are not going to the festival.

Rule 4. As a general rule, use a plural verb with two or more subjects when they
are connected by and.

Example: A car and a bike are my means of transportation.

But note these exceptions:

Exceptions:
Breaking and entering is against the law.
The bed and breakfast was charming.

In those sentences, breaking and entering and bed and breakfast are compound
nouns.

Rule 5a. Sometimes the subject is separated from the verb by such words
as along with, as well as, besides, not, etc. These words and phrases are not
part of the subject. Ignore them and use a singular verb when the subject is
singular.

Examples:
The politician, along with the newsmen, is expected shortly.
Excitement, as well as nervousness, is the cause of her shaking.

Rule 5b. Parentheses are not part of the subject.

Example: Joe (and his trusty mutt) was always welcome.

If this seems awkward, try rewriting the sentence.

Rule 6. In sentences beginning with here or there, the true subject follows the
verb.

Examples:
There are four hurdles to jump.
There is a high hurdle to jump.
Here are the keys.

NOTE:

The word there's, a contraction of there is, leads to bad habits in informal
sentences like There's a lot of people here today, because it's easier to say
"there's" than "there are." Take care never to use there's with a plural subject.

Rule 7. Use a singular verb with distances, periods of time, sums of money, etc.,
when considered as a unit.

Examples:
Three miles is too far to walk.
Five years is the maximum sentence for that offense.
Ten dollars is a high price to pay.
 BUT
Ten dollars (i.e., dollar bills) were scattered on the floor.

Rule 8. With words that indicate portionse.g., a lot, a majority, some, allRule
1 given earlier in this section is reversed, and we are guided by the noun after of.
If the noun after of is singular, use a singular verb. If it is plural, use a plural verb.

Examples:
A lot of the pie has disappeared.
A lot of the pies have disappeared.
A third of the city is unemployed.
A third of the people are unemployed.
All of the pie is gone.
All of the pies are gone.
Some of the pie is missing.
Some of the pies are missing.

NOTE

In recent years, the SAT testing service has considered none to be strictly
singular. However, according toMerriam-Webster's Dictionary of English Usage:
"Clearly none has been both singular and plural since Old English and still is. The
notion that it is singular only is a myth of unknown origin that appears to have
arisen in the 19th century. If in context it seems like a singular to you, use a
singular verb; if it seems like a plural, use a plural verb. Both are acceptable
beyond serious criticism." When none is clearly intended to mean "not one," it is
followed by a singular verb.

Rule 9. With collective nouns such as group, jury, family, audience, population,
the verb might be singular or plural, depending on the writer's intent.

Examples:
All of my family has arrived OR have arrived.
 Most of the jury is here OR are here.
A third of the population was not in favor OR were not in favor of the bill.

NOTE

Anyone who uses a plural verb with a collective noun must take care to be
accurateand also consistent. It must not be done carelessly. The following is
the sort of flawed sentence one sees and hears a lot these days:

The staff is deciding how they want to vote.

Careful speakers and writers would avoid assigning the singular is and the
plural they to staff in the same sentence.

Consistent: The staff are deciding how they want to vote.

Rewriting such sentences is recommended whenever possible. The preceding

sentence would read even better as:

The staff members are deciding how they want to vote.

Rule 10. The word were replaces was in sentences that express a wish or are
contrary to fact:

Example: If Joe were here, you'd be sorry.

Shouldn't Joe be followed by was, not were, given that Joe is singular? But Joe
isn't actually here, so we say were, not was. The sentence demonstrates
the subjunctive mood, which is used to express things that are hypothetical,
wishful, imaginary, or factually contradictory. The subjunctive mood pairs singular
subjects with what we usually think of as plural verbs.

Examples:
I wish it were Friday.
She requested that he raise his hand.
 In the first example, a wishful statement, not a fact, is being expressed;
therefore, were, which we usually think of as a plural verb, is used with the
singular subject I.

Normally, he raise would sound terrible to us. However, in the second example,
where a request is being expressed, the subjunctive mood is correct.

Note: The subjunctive mood is losing ground in spoken English but should still
be used in formal speech and writing.

Subject verb agreement simply means the subject and verb must agree in number. This means both need to be
singular or both need to be plural.

Subject/Verb Agreement Examples

Here are some examples of subject verb agreement (the subject is bolded and the verb underlined):
My dog always growls at the postal carrier.
Basketballs roll across the floor.
I dont understand the assignment.
These clothes are too small for me.
Peter doesnt like vegetables.
Compound Subjects
Compound subjects (two subjects in the same sentence) usually take a plural verb, unless the combination is
treated as singular in popular usage or the two subjects refer to the same thing or person. Here are some
examples of subject verb agreement with compound subjects:
Sugar and flour are needed for the recipe.
Neither my dad nor my brothers know how to ski.
Pepperoni and cheese are great on a pizza.
Corned beef and cabbage is a traditional meal in Ireland. (popular usage)
The creator and producer is arriving soon. (both refer to same person)
When using or or nor in a compound subject containing a singular and plural subject, the verb agrees with
the closest subject. Examples of compound subjects using or, neither-nor, or either-or include:
My mom or dad is coming to the play. (singular)
Neither gray nor white is my favorite color. (singular)
Either Grandpa or my sisters are going to the park. (closest subject is plural)
Either my sisters or Grandpa is going to the park. (closest subject is singular)
Neither she nor I am going to college. (closest subject is singular)
Singular Indefinite Pronouns
Here are some examples of subject verb agreement with singular indefinite pronouns:
Each gets a trophy for playing.
Somebody will pay for this.
Anybody is more fun than you.
 Something is very wrong here.
Everybody enjoys a good book.
Nothing has been determined as of yet.
Plural Indefinite Prounouns
Here are some examples of subject verb agreement with plural indefinite pronouns:
Both are qualified for the job.
Many went to the beach and got sunburned.
Few know what it really takes to get ahead.
Several are already on location.
Some sugar is required for taste. (sugar is uncountable so singular verb used)
Most of the cookies were eaten. (cookies are countable so plural verb used)
Midsentence Phrase or Clause
Here are some examples of subject verb agreement with a phrase or clause between the subject and verb:
A theory of physics ascertains that a body in motion stays in motion.
A virus in all the companys computers is a real threat to security.
The causes of this prevalent disease are bad diet and lack of exercise.
The couch and chair I got at the store look really nice in here.
The members of the choir are very happy with the performance.
Collective Nouns
Collective nouns can be singular or plural depending on meaning. Here are some examples of subject verb
agreement with collective nouns:
The committee meets here every Thursday. (singular)
The crowd is getting angry. (singular)
The jury has finally reached a decision. (singular)
The majority rules most of the time. (plural)
The staff have gone their separate ways for the holidays. (plural)
Inverted Subjects
Here are some examples of subject verb agreement with inverted subjects where the subject follows the verb:
There are seven clean plates in the dining room.
There is a hair in my lasagna.
Over the rainbow flies a bird.
How are the employees enjoying the new building?
A good gift is a gift card.
Subject/verb agreement is essential to ensure that a sentence is grammatically correct. To learn more and see
more examples, check out these articles - 20 Rules of Subject Verb Agreement and Subject Verb Agreement.

Read more at http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-subject-verb-

agreement.html#mRQiWF4gAeiYArfb.99
 Looking for sentences using compound subjects and compound verbs? Here are 15 sentences using compound
subjects and 15 sentences using compound verbs along with a quick review of compound subjects and compound
verbs.

Defining a Compound Subject

The subject of a sentence is generally defined as the noun or pronoun engaging in the activity of the verb. For
example, study the following sentences:
Beth reads very slowly.
She reads very slowly.
In the first sentence, Beth is the subject. In the second sentence, She is the subject. In both sentences, the subject
is engaged in the activity of reading.
When a sentence has two or more subjects, thats called a compound subject. The individual subjects in a
compound subject are joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, or, neither, nor). When the subjects are joined by
and, the verb agrees with the pronoun they.
Joanie and Chachi love each other. (NOT Joanie and Chachi loves each other.)
When the subjects are joined by or or neither/nor, the verb agrees with the subject that is closest to the verb.
The piano or the book case has to go.
The piano or the tables have to go.
Neither the pillows nor the curtains match the couch.
Neither the pillows nor the blanket looks good in this room.

Defining a Compound Verb

A compound verb is used when two verbs are needed to fully explain the action taken by the subject.
There are four types of compound verbs:
A prepositional verb - When a preposition (such as "in") combines with a verb (such as "believe") to form a new
verb. Example: believe in
A phrasal verb - When a verb (such as "take") combines with another type of word, such as an adverb (such as
"away"). Example: take away
A verb with auxiliaries When a verb (such as "walking") combines with another verb called a helping verb (such
as "was"). Example: was walking
A compound single-word verb When a verb is a combination of multiple words (such as "stir" and "fry").
Example: stirfry
A compound verb gives the reader more information about the action taken than a common verb that only shows one
action.

Compound Subjects and Compound Verbs In Action

 Compound Subjects
The following 15 sentences use compound subjects:
1. Potato chips and cupcakes are bad for you.
2. Uncle Jim, Aunt Sue and my cousin Jake went to Jamaica on vacation.
3. Beth and Kendra read very slowly.
4. The boots by the door and the flip-flops in the living room need to be put away.
5. Neither the boots by the door nor the flip-flops in the living room will be here any more if you dont put them away.
6. Neither a tall man nor a short man lives in that house.
7. Neither wind nor rain nor sleet nor hail can stop the US Postal Service from delivering the mail.
8. Neither the rugs downstairs nor the carpet upstairs has been vacuumed.
9. Either you or your brother is going to be punished.
10. Either the chicken or the beef in the freezer needs to be thawed for dinner tonight.
11. Either the matches or the candles caused the fire.
12. Either a rat or the gerbil keeps chewing up all my socks!
13. Everything on the bed and everything in the closet was organized in under an hour.
14. Nobody in the bank and nobody in the store saw the accident.
15. Anyone on the soccer team and anybody on the basketball team is eligible for the scholarship.
For many more examples, in different types of sentences, see Compound Subject Examples.

Compound Verbs
The following 15 sentences use compound verbs:
1. I will walk to the store tomorrow. (verb with auxliary)
2. What does he believe in? (prepositional verb)
3. His sad story made me tear up. (phrasal verb)
4. Mary said she would babysit for the Tom and Joan (compound single-word verb)
5. I don't want to bother you. (verb with auxliary)
6. The tightly woven fabric was easy to water-proof. (compound single-word verb)
7. Is the product something you can believe in? (prepositional verb)
8. I will take away the used parts. (phrasal verb)
9. Will the new balance carry over to the next bill? (compound single-word verb)
10. The new employee didn't know what to ask for. (prepositional verb)
11. The little boy was telling me all about the fair. (verb with auxliary)
12. He decided to air-condition the room. (compound single-word verb)
13. He didn't know what to work on. (phrasal verb)
14. Is he someone you can rely on? (prepositional verb)
15. I am willing to take the job. (verb with auxliary)
For many more examples, in different types of sentences, see Compound Verb Examples.
English speakers do just about everything they can to shorten, tighten and speed up what they want to say. By using
compound subjects and compound verbs, they do just that. Hopefully studying these sentences using compound
subjects and compound verbs will help you to communicate more efficiently as well.

Read more at http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/sentences/15-sentences-using-compound-

subjects-and-compound-verbs.html#y26CtbhmjIaoOEOl.99
Prepositions "On," "At," and "In"
A preposition is a word that links a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to some other part of the sentence.

Prepositions can be tricky for English learners. There is no definite rule or formula for choosing a
preposition. In the beginning stage of learning the language, you should try to identify a preposition
when reading or listening in English and recognize its usage.

to the office
at the desk
on the table
in an hour
about myself

A preposition is used to show direction, location, or time, or to introduce an object.

Here are a few common prepositions and examples.

On

Used to express a surface of something:

I put an egg on the kitchen table.

The paper is on my desk.

Used to specify days and dates:

The garbage truck comes on Wednesdays.

I was born on the 14th day of June in 1988.

Used to indicate a device or machine, such as a phone or computer:

He is on the phone right now.

She has been on the computer since this morning.
My favorite movie will be on TV tonight.

Used to indicate a part of the body:

The stick hit me on my shoulder.

He kissed me on my cheek.
I wear a ring on my finger.

Used to indicate the state of something:

Everything in this store is on sale.

 The building is on fire.

At

Used to point out specific time:

I will meet you at 12 p.m.

The bus will stop here at 5:45 p.m.

Used to indicate a place:

There is a party at the club house.

There were hundreds of people at the park.
We saw a baseball game at the stadium.

Used to indicate an email address:

Please email me at abc@defg.com.

Used to indicate an activity:

He laughed at my acting.
I am good at drawing a portrait.

In

Used for unspecific times during a day, month, season, year:

She always reads newspapers in the morning.

In the summer, we have a rainy season for three weeks.
The new semester will start in March.

Used to indicate a location or place:

She looked me directly in the eyes.

I am currently staying in a hotel.
My hometown is Los Angeles, which is in California.

Used to indicate a shape, color, or size:

This painting is mostly in blue.

The students stood in a circle.
This jacket comes in four different sizes.
Used to express while doing something:

In preparing for the final report, we revised the tone three times.
A catch phrase needs to be impressive in marketing a product.

Used to indicate a belief, opinion, interest, or feeling:

I believe in the next life.

We are not interested in gambling.

[Quiz 22.1]

Identify all prepositions in the following sentences.

After flying for many hours, we finally got off the airplane. We walked out the exit and went to the
baggage claim area. There were hundreds of different bags on the conveyer belt. I almost picked up the
wrong one because it looked like mine.

[Quiz 22.2]

Choose a correct preposition in the sentence.

1)I want to lose 5 kilogram (on, at, in) one month.

2)Could you get me this pants (on, at, in) a larger size?
3)She seems to be interested (on, at, in) Psychology.
4)I will come to pick you up (on, at, in) 2 pm tomorrow.
5)This class will be held (on, at, in) Mondays.
Prepositions "Of," "To," and "For"
Of

Used for belonging to, relating to, or connected with:

The secret of this game is that you cant ever win.

The highlight of the show is at the end.
The first page of the book describes the authors profile.
Dont touch it. Thats the bag of my friends sister.
I always dreamed of being rich and famous.

Used to indicate reference:

I got married in the summer of 2000.

This is a picture of my family.
I got a discount of 10 percent on the purchase.

Used to indicate an amount or number:

I drank three cups of milk.

A large number of people gathered to protest.
I had only four hours of sleep during the last two days.
He got a perfect score of 5 on his writing assignment.

To

Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward, or the direction
of something:

I am heading to the entrance of the building.

The package was mailed to Mr. Kim yesterday.
All of us went to the movie theater.
Please send it back to me.

Used to indicate a limit or an ending point:

The snow was piled up to the roof.

The stock prices rose up to 100 dollars.

Used to indicate relationship:

This letter is very important to your admission.

My answer to your question is in this envelop.
Do not respond to every little thing in your life.
Used to indicate a time or a period:

I work nine to six, Monday to Friday.

It is now 10 to five. (In other words, it is 4:50.)

For

Used to indicate the use of something:

This place is for exhibitions and shows.

I baked a cake for your birthday.
I put a note on the door for privacy.
She has been studying hard for the final exam.

Used to mean because of:

I am so happy for you.

We feel deeply sorry for your loss.
For this reason, Ive decided to quit this job.

Used to indicate time or duration:

Hes been famous for many decades.

I attended the university for one year only.
This is all I have for today.

[Quiz 23.1]

Choose the correct preposition in each sentence.

1)I slept (of, to, for) only two hours last night.
2)It was my first trip (of, to, for) Hawaii.
3)Turn off the TV and go straight (of, to, for) bed.
4)This book was written (of, to, for) the people who want to learn how to play a guitar.
5)I was late (of, to, for) school.
6)Spencer is one (of, to, for) my best friends.
Prepositions "With," "Over," and "By"
With

Used to indicate being together or being involved:

I ordered a sandwich with a drink.

He was with his friend when he saw me.
She has been working with her sister at the nail shop.
The manager will be with you shortly.

Used to indicate "having":

I met a guy with green eyes.

Were you the one talking with an accent?
People with a lot of money are not always happy.

Used to indicate "using":

I wrote a letter with the pen you gave me.

This is the soup that I made with rice and barley.
He cut my hair with his gold scissors.

Used to indicate feeling:

I am emailing you with my sincere apology.

He came to the front stage with confidence.

Used to indicate agreement or understanding:

Are you with me?

Yes, I am completely with you.
She agrees with me.

Over

Used to indicate movement from one place to another:

Come over to my house for dinner sometime.

Could you roll over?
They sent over a gift for his promotion.

Used to indicate movement downward:

The big tree fell over on the road.

Can you bend over and get the dish for me?
 He pushed it over the edge.

Used to indicate more than an expected number or amount:

This amount is over our prediction.

Kids twelve and over can watch this movie.
The phone rang for over a minute.

Used to indicate a period of time:

I worked there over a year.

She did not sleep there over this past month.

By

Used to indicate proximity:

Can I sit by you?

He was standing by me.
The post office is by the bank.

Used to indicate the person that does something in a passive voice sentence:

The microwave was fixed by the mechanic.

The flowers were delivered by a postman.
The branch office was closed by the head office.

Used to indicate an action with a particular purpose:

You can pass the exam by preparing for it.

I expressed my feeling toward her by writing a letter.
She finally broke the record by pure effort.

Used to indicate a mean or method:

Please send this package to Russia by airmail.

I came here by subway.

[Quiz 24.1]

Choose the correct preposition in each sentence.

1)If she left at 4 p.m., she should be here (with, over, by) now.
2)Go (with, over, by) there and catch my ball.
3) (With, Over, By) your determination, you will be able to achieve your dream.
4)I just found it! It was (with, over, by) the radio on my desk.
5)I knocked him (with, over, by) accidentally.
6)She was (with, over, by) me when the accident occurred.

Prepositions "With," "Over," and "By"

With

Used to indicate being together or being involved:

I ordered a sandwich with a drink.

He was with his friend when he saw me.
She has been working with her sister at the nail shop.
The manager will be with you shortly.

Used to indicate "having":

I met a guy with green eyes.

Were you the one talking with an accent?
People with a lot of money are not always happy.

Used to indicate "using":

I wrote a letter with the pen you gave me.

This is the soup that I made with rice and barley.
He cut my hair with his gold scissors.

Used to indicate feeling:

I am emailing you with my sincere apology.

He came to the front stage with confidence.

Used to indicate agreement or understanding:

Are you with me?

Yes, I am completely with you.
She agrees with me.

Over

Used to indicate movement from one place to another:

 Come over to my house for dinner sometime.
Could you roll over?
They sent over a gift for his promotion.

Used to indicate movement downward:

The big tree fell over on the road.

Can you bend over and get the dish for me?
He pushed it over the edge.

Used to indicate more than an expected number or amount:

This amount is over our prediction.

Kids twelve and over can watch this movie.
The phone rang for over a minute.

Used to indicate a period of time:

I worked there over a year.

She did not sleep there over this past month.

By

Used to indicate proximity:

Can I sit by you?

He was standing by me.
The post office is by the bank.

Used to indicate the person that does something in a passive voice sentence:

The microwave was fixed by the mechanic.

The flowers were delivered by a postman.
The branch office was closed by the head office.

Used to indicate an action with a particular purpose:

You can pass the exam by preparing for it.

I expressed my feeling toward her by writing a letter.
She finally broke the record by pure effort.

Used to indicate a mean or method:

Please send this package to Russia by airmail.

 I came here by subway.

[Quiz 24.1]

Choose the correct preposition in each sentence.

1)If she left at 4 p.m., she should be here (with, over, by) now.
2)Go (with, over, by) there and catch my ball.
3) (With, Over, By) your determination, you will be able to achieve your dream.
4)I just found it! It was (with, over, by) the radio on my desk.
5)I knocked him (with, over, by) accidentally.
6)She was (with, over, by) me when the accident occurred.

Auxiliary Verbs "Will/Would" and

"Shall/Should"
The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs
alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow.

Will

Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:

I will take this duty.

Will you stop talking like that?

Used to express the future:

It will rain tomorrow.

The news will spread soon.

Used to express capacity or capability:

This bucket will hold two gallons of water.

This airplane will take 200 passengers.

Used to express determination, insistence, or persistence:

I will do it as you say.

Would (past form of will)

Often used in auxiliary functions with rather to express preference:

I would rather go shopping today.

Wed rather say something than stay quiet.

Used to express a wish or desire:

I would like to have one more pencil.

Used to express contingency or possibility:

If I were you, I would be so happy.

Used to express routine or habitual things:

Normally, we would work until 6 p.m.

Shall

Mainly used in American English to ask questions politely (it has more usages in British English). For the
future tense, will is more frequently used in American English than shall.

Shall we dance?
Shall I go now?
Lets drink, shall we?

Often used in formal settings to deliver obligation or requirement:

You shall abide by the law.

There shall be no trespassing on this property.
Students shall not enter this room.

Should (past form of shall)

Often used in auxiliary functions to express an opinion, suggestion, preference, or idea:

You should rest at home today.

I should take a bus this time.
He should be more thoughtful in the decision-making process.

Used to express that you wish something had happened but it didnt or couldnt (should + have + past
participle):
 You should have seen it. It was really beautiful.
I should have completed it earlier to meet the deadline.
We should have visited the place on the way.

Used to ask for someones opinion:

What should we do now?

Should we continue our meeting?
Should we go this way?
Where should we go this summer?

Used to say something expected or correct:

There should be an old city hall building here.

Everybody should arrive by 6 p.m.
We should be there this evening.

[Quiz 20.1]

Fill in the blanks using an appropriate auxiliary verb.

1)I leave now. It is too late.

2)You have seen him. His dance was amazing.
3) we have lunch together?
4)I like a cup of tea, please.
5) we read the email?

Auxiliary Verbs "Will/Would" and "Shall/Should"

The verbs will, would, shall, should, can, could, may, might, and must cannot be the main (full) verbs
alone. They are used as auxiliary verbs only and always need a main verb to follow.

Will

Used to express desire, preference, choice, or consent:

I will take this duty.

Will you stop talking like that?
Used to express the future:

It will rain tomorrow.

The news will spread soon.

Used to express capacity or capability:

This bucket will hold two gallons of water.

This airplane will take 200 passengers.

Used to express determination, insistence, or persistence:

I will do it as you say.

Would (past form of will)

Often used in auxiliary functions with rather to express preference:

I would rather go shopping today.

Wed rather say something than stay quiet.

Used to express a wish or desire:

I would like to have one more pencil.

Used to express contingency or possibility:

If I were you, I would be so happy.

Used to express routine or habitual things:

Normally, we would work until 6 p.m.

Shall

Mainly used in American English to ask questions politely (it has more usages in British English). For the
future tense, will is more frequently used in American English than shall.

Shall we dance?
Shall I go now?
Lets drink, shall we?

Often used in formal settings to deliver obligation or requirement:

You shall abide by the law.

 There shall be no trespassing on this property.
Students shall not enter this room.

Should (past form of shall)

Often used in auxiliary functions to express an opinion, suggestion, preference, or idea:

You should rest at home today.

I should take a bus this time.
He should be more thoughtful in the decision-making process.

Used to express that you wish something had happened but it didnt or couldnt (should + have + past
participle):

You should have seen it. It was really beautiful.

I should have completed it earlier to meet the deadline.
We should have visited the place on the way.

Used to ask for someones opinion:

What should we do now?

Should we continue our meeting?
Should we go this way?
Where should we go this summer?

Used to say something expected or correct:

There should be an old city hall building here.

Everybody should arrive by 6 p.m.
We should be there this evening.

[Quiz 20.1]

Fill in the blanks using an appropriate auxiliary verb.

1)I leave now. It is too late.

2)You have seen him. His dance was amazing.
3) we have lunch together?
4)I like a cup of tea, please.
5) we read the email?