Poll: 'Should' can replace 'would' in formal English for 'I' and 'we'.

G

"Should you want to do that," I don't think so.

Joan

In a formal letter, you can write 'I should be grateful...'. in British English.

##

It can, but I don't like it much.

Martin

I'm confuzzled at the question. Arn't should and would completly two different meaning words? How can you then just change them and not change the meaning of the sentance.

RonBee

I'm confuzzled at the question too.
;-)

thebooklass

"Should" suggests that the person's actions are expected but does not mean that that is what they do, say, feel, etc... It suggests obligation. "Would" means an action is a certainty.

Amelia

I believe it can, but not in all sentences.

Tom

G - 9th January 2004 11:18
"Should you want to do that," I don't think so.
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Dear G,
the question is:
'Should' can replace 'would' in formal English for 'I' and 'WE'. Not for 'you'!. So, yes, it can...

Salim Jaramillo

I think that it shouldn't be done because it would change the meaning. Plus it wouldn't make sense to new learner�s who are just developing English concepts. I disagree

chris

I think it's acceptable in formal British English, but I'm Australian and you're not likely to hear 'should' being used in place of 'would' here.