The use of "should"

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Green Bean

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Nov 17, 2012
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Chinese
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Dear,

I am skeptical of the correctness in the use of "should" in the following sentence. Is it proper to use it? Can I say that the "should" mean "may"?

"An ideal teacher should not smoke in the classroom in front of the students. He should smoke only in the office."
Please correct or replace if it is wrong.

Thank you.
 

emsr2d2

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Jul 28, 2009
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British English
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If there is no actual rule to say that the teacher must not/cannot smoke in the classroom, then "should" is fine. The fact that it starts with "The ideal teacher" suggests that it is not a rule.
 
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