Adjectives and verbs usage with should

[Aurimas]

So it comes out that what in British English looks more like formal (without "should") in American English looks less formal, and the "should" form probably sounds more formal (because it's unusual), is that correct?

and when I finally understood (after few hours of studying and reading what you wrote me) what means "mandative subjunctive" - another question arose: does "mandative subjunctive" is expressed like should+infinitive in AMERICAN English as well? ... thus, would they understand if they hear such a talk?:

1. 'Shall I leave now?' ... 'No, I should wait a bit longer.'
(=I would wait if I were you)

and would it be correct in either British or American english if I change it to:

1a. 'shall I leave now?' ... 'No, I would wait a bit longer.' [without "if I were you"]

(without considering 'shall'... I know it's unusual in America)

and now: who should understand if I say:
2. It's strange that he should be late. (that is "indicative" clause (sentence).. if I'm correct )

americans or englishmen? maybe it's correct in both British and American English?




And I didn't get this one:

Thus 4a conveys not only the speaker's surprise that she said such a thing, but also his surprise that she said such a thing.

I don't understand, what's the difference between "the speaker's surprise that she said such a thing" and "his surprise that she said such a thing"?? ... it looks the same...

[MrPedantic]

Hello Aurimas
Sorry for the delay – I didn't see your reply!

So it comes out that what in British English looks more like formal (without "should") in American English looks less formal, and the "should" form probably sounds more formal (because it's unusual), is that correct?

The "non-should" form does seem more formal in BrE; but I don't think the "should" form looks more formal in AmE. But perhaps a passing AmE-speaker could clarify!

and when I finally understood (after few hours of studying and reading what you wrote me) what means "mandative subjunctive" - another question arose: does "mandative subjunctive" is expressed like should+infinitive in AMERICAN English as well? ... thus, would they understand if they hear such a talk?:

I think so; but again, it might be better to wait for a passing AmE.

1. 'Shall I leave now?' ... 'No, I should wait a bit longer.'
(=I would wait if I were you)
and would it be correct in either British or American english if I change it to:
1a. 'shall I leave now?' ... 'No, I would wait a bit longer.' [without "if I were you"]
(without considering 'shall'... I know it's unusual in America)

Both AmE and BrE speakers would understand "would"; the "should" form would be relatively unusual in both dialects. (I wouldn't say that this was an example of the mandative subjunctive, by the way.)

and now: who should understand if I say:
2. It's strange that he should be late. (that is "indicative" clause (sentence).. if I'm correct )
americans or englishmen? maybe it's correct in both British and American English?

Again, I think both would understand.

And I didn't get this one:
I don't understand, what's the difference between "the speaker's surprise that she said such a thing" and "his surprise that she said such a thing"?? ... it looks the same..

I'm sorry, it was obscure! I meant that it conveyed both a) surprise at the thing said b) surprise that that particular speaker said that thing.
Is that any better?
Let me know if not!
All the best,
MrP

Originally Posted by Aurimas

Thank you, and thank you for the answer :) ,
I see... so there is no difference whether I use "should" or leave it out in these sentences, is there?
And what about sentences with adjectives?
1. It's strange that he should be late
2. I was surprised that she should say such a thing
I can't leave out "should" in these sentences, can I?
What kind of meaning does "should" carry in these sentences?
Can I use "could" instead of "should" in these? ... because it make a lot more sense for me then... especially "I was surprised that she could say such a thing"

You should study Subjunctive mood [on this site or on the web]

Subjunctive mood is used with some verbs [insist, request, recommend, suggest and many others and also with some phrases[ :it is necessary, it is vital/important/essential etc, that] + should or short infinitive of the verb.

They recommended that he be here on time
They recommended that he should be here on time.

More details when searching the web on Subjunctive [ it`s a very large topic with many good examples and exercises]
It helps a lot, believe me.

All the best,

[Aurimas]

OK, thank you everyone for the help, It helped a lot!