三 . should 作为情态动词,可以用在条件状语从句中,表示语气较强的假设,译作“万一”、“竟然”,这时也可将 should 置于从句之首,即将 should 放在主语前面,而省略从属连词 if .例如:
If you should fail to come, ask Mrs Chen to work in your place. (= Should you fail to come, ask Mrs Chen to work in your place. ) 万一你来不了,就叫陈夫人代替你。
If anyone should come, say I am not at home. (= Should anyone come, say I am not at home. ) 万一有人来访,就说我不在家。
If it should rain tomorrow, I wouldn't go. (= Should it rain tomorrow, I wouldn't go.)
万一明天天下雨,我就不去了。
四 . should 作为情态动词,可以表示谦逊、客气、委婉之意,译为“可……”、“倒……”。例如:
I should say that it would be better to try it again.
我倒是认为最好再试一试。
You are mistaken, I should say. 据我看,你搞错了。
He should expect their basketball team to win the match.
他倒是希望他们的篮球队赢得这场比赛的胜利。
Should you like some tea ? 你可喜欢喝茶?
五 . should 作为情态动词,可以用来表示意外、惊喜或者在说话人看来是不可思议的。尤其在以 why, who, how 等开头的修辞疑问句或某些感叹句中常常译为“竟会”、“居然”。例如:
How should I know it ? 我怎么会知道这件事?
Why should you be so late today ? 你今天怎么来得这么晚?
When I went out, whom should I meet but my old friend Xiao Li ! 当我出去时,想不到竟会碰见我的老朋友小李!
I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be happy.
我不明白为什么他居然不愉快。