How To Pronounce “should”

should

function word

Strong form

Used in isolation, at the end of speech, or for emphasis or contrast.

Phonemic

/ʃʊd/

Phonetic

[ʃʷʊd̚]

e.g. Yes, you should.

/jes.juˈʃʊd/

Phonemic

/ʃʊd/

e.g. Yes, you should.

/jes.juˈʃʊd/

Weak form

Used in connected speech.

Phonemic

/ʃəd/

Phonetic

[ʃəd̚]

e.g. You should go.

/ju.ʃədˈɡəʊ/

Phonemic

/ʃəd/

e.g. You should go.

/ju.ʃədˈɡoʊ/

“should” is a function word, so it has more than one pronunciation. In normal connected speech the weak form is usual. The strong form is used when the word is stressed, said on its own or at the end of a phrase.

Strong form. In British English it is /ʃʊd/, and in American English it is /ʃʊd/. It is used in isolation, at the end of speech, or for emphasis or contrast.

Weak form. In British English it is /ʃəd/, and in American English it is /ʃəd/. It is used in connected speech.

Slashes / / show the phonemic transcription, the sounds that change meaning. Square brackets [ ] show the phonetic transcription, with the finer detail of how the sounds are actually made.

Questions About Should

How do you pronounce should in British English?

Strong form, /ʃʊd/. Weak form, /ʃəd/.

How do you pronounce should in American English?

Strong form, /ʃʊd/. Weak form, /ʃəd/.

What is the weak form of should?

The weak form of should is /ʃəd/ in British English. It is the usual form in connected speech.

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