How to Pronounce Should

To pronounce "should", say SHOULD — one syllable, IPA /ʃʊd/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

should

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

6

Letters

/ʃʊd/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “should”

"should" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with good and livelihood, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: schuld — easy to mix up when writing.

What does should mean?

verb

  1. (modal, auxiliary verb, defective) Used before a verb to indicate the simple future tense in the first person singular or plural.

    “I hope that we shall win the game.”

  2. Used similarly to indicate determination or obligation in the second and third persons singular or plural.

    “(determination): You shall go to the ball!”

noun

  1. A statement of what ought to be the case as opposed to what is the case.

verb

  1. To make a statement of what ought to be true, as opposed to reality.

Hear “should” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with should

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

goodlivelihoodfalsehoodhoodcouldbrotherhoodmisunderstoodneighborhoodlikelihoodknighthoodunderstoodhardwood

Related words

oughtmustneedsupposedexpectedforecastanticipatedneeds

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "should"?▾

"Should" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "should"?▾

The IPA transcription of "should" is /ʃʊd/.

What does "should" mean?▾

Should: (modal, auxiliary verb, defective) Used before a verb to indicate the simple future tense in the first person singular or plural.

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