In general, we use should and would as we use their present tenses, shall and will. For example, James says, "Will John come?" So we say, "James asked if John would come."

Study the following:

I.

Will he care to see me if he comes ?

Do you think he would care to see me if he came ?

2.

He knows that I shall go. (I am going).

He knew that I should go..

3.

He knows that I will go. (I wish or am determined to go).

He knew that I would go.

Note i. Should sometimes keeps its original meaning, "ought"; as, "We should do right."

Note 2. Would sometimes expresses habitual action; as, "We would talk by the hour."

In conditional clauses we use should in all persons to express simple futurity; and would in all persons to express volition. (See shall and will on p. 148).

If you should go, you would enjoy the trip.

Exercises

266. Explain should or would in the following sentences:

1. Should you help him if you were in my place ?

2. Would you help him if you could ?

3. Should he be elected ?

4. Would John come if I should invite him?

5. He said he should be here by noon.

6. He said he would be here.

7. He said his parents would be here by noon.

8. He said his parents should be here.

9. If I should do it, he would not thank me.

10. If you should ask him, you would get his honest opinion.

11. If he should come, we should be glad to see him.