should vs. would

[Noelia]

I read this book some time ago (yes I did.) and I was wondering why they would use "should" in sentences that clearly mean "would":

" I shouldn't like it "

Is this some kind of old / formal English or is it something used in narration?

Noelia

[sendai]

To my American ears it sounds old-fashioned. I suspect that some Americans might not even understand exactly what it means.

They say (whoever "they" are) that this is used in the UK. Let's see what John says.

[Robie]

I don't have enough context to give you a 2nd american opinion. Is there any chance you can blow the dust off of that book and give a little more context?

[johnr]

" I shouldn't like it "

Esto es algo que se usa en una frase como ' I shouldn't like it but I do'. Esto se usa en referencia a algo como, por ejemplo chocolate o cerveza. La gente sabe que no es bueno para la salud pero no puede resistirlo. Desde mi punto de vista no quiere decir 'would'. Tiene un sentido diferente.

[Noelia]

OK, the sentence I chose, without a context, could be either "should" and "would"
But here's the context, and the reason it sounds so strange to me:

"..Master, my time is up, I should like to go home and see my mother, so give me my wages"

For me, in this context, it clearly means "would" but I might be wrong...

Noelia

[Robie]

No - you are right in this context. I agree with you. I think 'should' here sounds completely wrong. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be more formal, if it's the way they spoke in the "olden" days or why they would say it this way. I have seen this as well, and never question it. I just know what it means and read on but if someone is dissecting it to learn the language I can see how it can be confusing and worth the question.

[johnr]

Sí, en esta frase 'should' suena mal.

[Robie]

I found some information on the history of the use of shall/will and should/would on the online webster's dictionary:

dictionary.reference.com/browse/should

Here's what it says about shall/will and should/would . You can read more directly in the website:

For shall/will:
Usage note The traditional rule of usage guides dates from the 17th century and says that to denote future time shall is used in the first person (I shall leave. We shall go) and will in all other persons (You will be there, won't you? He will drive us to the airport. They will not be at the meeting). The rule continues that to express determination, will is used in the first person (We will win the battle) and shall in the other two persons (You shall not bully us. They shall not pass). Whether this rule was ever widely observed is doubtful. Today, will is used overwhelmingly in all three persons and in all types of speech and writing both for the simple future and to express determination. Shall has some use in all persons, chiefly in formal writing or speaking, to express determination: I shall return. We shall overcome. Shall also occurs in the language of laws and directives: All visitors shall observe posted regulations. Most educated native users of American English do not follow the textbook rule in making a choice between shall and will.

For should/would:
Usage note Rules similar to those for choosing between shall and will have long been advanced for should and would, but again the rules have had little effect on usage. In most constructions, would is the auxiliary chosen regardless of the person of the subject: If our allies would support the move, we would abandon any claim to sovereignty. You would be surprised at the complexity of the directions. Because the main function of should in modern American English is to express duty, necessity, etc. (You should get your flu shot before winter comes), its use for other purposes, as to form a subjunctive , can produce ambiguity, at least initially: I should get my flu shot if I were you. Furthermore, should seems an affectation to many Americans when used in certain constructions quite common in British English: Had I been informed, I should (American would) have called immediately. I should (American would) really prefer a different arrangement. As with shall and will, most educated native speakers of American English do not follow the textbook rule in making a choice between should and would.

[johnr]

Es interesante las diferencias entre el inglés que se usa en inglaterra y EEUU.

[Noelia]

Ahora lo entiendo, gracias!