should here confuse me...what synonym to it in these two example?
Claudia was shocked that anyone should believe such a scandalous story.

It’s odd you should mention Ben – I was just thinking about him.

Question

should here confuse me...what synonym to it in these two example?
Claudia was shocked that anyone should believe such a scandalous story.

It’s odd you should mention Ben – I was just thinking about him.

Answer

The synonym here is "(might) happen to [verb]".

Claudia was shocked that anyone might happen to believe such a scandalous story.
It’s odd you happen to mention Ben – I was just thinking about him.

Hazem, this use of "should" is taught at upper-level English. You don't show your English level on your profile, so I'm not sure if my explanation is helpful or confusing.

Answer

Some people might say "would" instead of "should" there. The way "should" is used here is the way it would be used in British English or old-fashioned American English.

Answers · 3

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