Editor's Corner

A very good morning to you! I hesitated before sharing this information about the difference between the words shall and should because most of us rarely use shall anymore. But I like the word, even though it does have an old-timey feel to it (or maybe because it does).

I’ll start with a little information about the word shall. The first thing to remember is that shall is used to covey what you or someone else plans, intends, or expects to do. The second thing to remember (and this can be quite helpful), is that shall is often used interchangeably with the word will.

Examples

• We shall arrive at the party fashionably late to ensure that everyone notices Mick’s typically outlandish ensemble.
• All glee club meetings shall be held on campus and must be attended by a staff member.
• Shall we dance?

On the other hand, the word should is a little more familiar to us. It indicates obligation, duty, or correctness.

Examples

• We should visit Aunt Mackie this weekend—she’s been hinting that it’s been a while.
• Glee club members should all pass an audition before being allowed to join the club.
• Electric cars should be made more affordable.
• Should he call her before just showing up at her house?

Along with the fact that shall sounds stuffy to many people, I believe that our confusion between the words shall and should stems from the fact that should also functions as the past tense of shall. This usage is much more common in British English than it is in U.S. English, but we’ve all heard or read sentences similar to the following.

Examples

• If the king should die unexpectedly, his son, the prince, ascends to the throne.
• Should you be involved in an accident, you will lose your driving privileges.

And there you have it. You can now call yourself an expert on the difference between the words shall and should.

But should you? Only if you want your nerd glasses broken by one of the cool kids.

I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

Pronouns she/her/hers

9660 Granite Ridge Drive, San Diego CA 92123

Symitar Documentation Services

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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