302. Should in the second and third persons may be used in simple declarative sentences and independent clauses to express the will of the speaker ([§ 239]).
- If I had my way, you should be prosecuted. [That is: I would take care that you were prosecuted.]
- If I had the money, you should be paid immediately. [Compare: You shall be paid.]
- If I were you, she should not regret her generosity. [Compare: She shall not regret it.]
II. SHOULD AND WOULD IN SUBORDINATE CLAUSES
303. In some kinds of subordinate clauses, the use of should and would differs considerably from that in simple sentences and principal clauses.
The following classes require attention:—(1) clauses of purpose or expectation ([§ 304]), (2) conditional and concessive clauses ([§ 305]), (3) clauses expressing volition not that of the subject ([§ 306]), (4) clauses stating something as an idea ([§ 307]), (5) indirect discourse ([§ 308]).
304. In subordinate clauses expressing the purpose or expectation with which anything is done, shall and should are used in all three persons.
- Charleton took great pains that {I | you | they} should understand the details of the treaty.
- Scott {is | was} very careful that nothing {shall | should} interfere with his plans.
- They took every precaution lest {I | you | he} should suspect the plot.
- Anderson waited patiently until {I | you | they} should arrive with the horses.
- We strained every nerve to reach the cave before the storm should break.
305. In conditional or concessive clauses expressing a future supposed case doubtfully, shall and should are used in all three persons; but will and would are proper when the subject is thought of as wishing or consenting.
- 1. What would happen if {I | you | he} should not carry out the commander’s instructions?
- 2. If {I | you | he} should miss the steamer, our friends would be alarmed.
- 3. Whoever {shall | should} violate this law {shall | should} pay the penalty. [That is: If anybody shall violate, etc.]
- 4. Whenever {I | you | he} shall find an opportunity, let us try the experiment. [That is: If ever I shall find, etc.]
- 5. He promised to assist you whenever you should need help. [Whenever = if ever.]
- 6. Though {we | you | they} should fail, others would make the attempt. [Concession.]
- 7. Though Evans should disappoint me, I should not lose confidence in him.
- 8. Vernon will do his part if {I | you | they} will coöperate with him.
- 9. If {I | you | he} will only make the effort, success is certain.
- 10. Edmund would reveal the secret if {I | you | they} would assist him in his search for the treasure.
- 11. If we would take pains, our parents would be satisfied.
- 12. Whoever will join us may be sure of a pleasant and profitable journey. [That is: If any one will join us, he may be sure, etc.]
When a future supposed case is admitted or conceded as certain, will may be used in the second and third persons to denote mere futurity.