Page 224 - Basic English Usage

293 — 294 226

When we make offers, or suggestions, and when we ask for orders or
advice, we can use shail //we, but not will I/we.
Shall! carry your bag? Shall we go out for lunch?
What shall we do?

293 short answers

When we answer yes/no questions, we often repeat the subject and
auxiliary verb of the question.
‘Can he swim?’ ‘Yes, hecan.’ ‘Has it stopped raining?’ ‘No, it hasn’t.’
Be and have can be used in short answers.
‘Are you happy?’ ‘Yes, !am.’ ‘Have you a light?’ ‘Yes, | have.’

We can also use ‘short answers’ in replies to statements, requests and
orders.
‘You'll be on holiday soon.’ ‘Yes, twill’ ‘You're late.’ ‘No, ’m not.’
‘Don't forget to telephone.’ ‘I won't.’
We use do and did in short answers to sentences with no auxiliary verb.
‘She likes cakes.’ ‘Yes, she does.’
‘That surprised you.’ ‘It certainly did.’

294 should

Forms
Should is a ‘modal auxiliary verb’ (see 202). It has no -sin the third
person singular.
He should be here soon. (NOT He-sheufds ...)
Questions and negatives are made without do.
Should we teli Judy? (NOT Dewe-should ... 7)
Should is followed by an infinitive without to.
Should | go? (NOT Shetted+te-ge?)

Obligation

We often use should to talk about obligation, duty and similar ideas.
People should drive more carefully.
You shouldn't say things like that to Granny.
Should! ... ?is used to ask for advice, offer help or ask for instructions.
(Like Shall! ... ? See 292.)
Should | go and see the police, do you think?
Should I help you with the washing up? ~— What should | do?
For the differences between should, ought and must, see 295.