Would' and 'wouldn't' in place of the simple present tense

We often use would and wouldn't in place of the simple present tense

Other uses of modal auxiliaries

and sometimes in place of will/won't, when we want to sound less

definite (/ would think that , etc):
That seemsthe best solution to me (definite)

That would seemthe best solution to me (less definite)

Friday evening is not(or won't be) very convenient (definite)

Friday evening wouldn't bevery convenient (less definite)

11.75 'Should'

11.75.1 Noun clauses with 'should'

There are two classes here:

1 Many verbs, particularly reporting verbs: say, etc. [> App 45] can be followed by (that) should or (that) ought to referring to obligation, advice, etc.: He said (that) I should(or ought to) see a doctor

2 After verbs referring to proposals, suggestions, requests and orders (e.g. propose, suggest), we may follow with (that) should (not ought to), the simple present, or the subjunctive [> App 45.3]. The subjunctive (rare in English) refers to what could or should happen in hypothetical situations.

In the present, the base form of the verb remains the same in all persons: If I/you/he (etc.) be; It is important that you/he (etc.) go

The past subjunctive of be is were: If I/you/he (etc.) were; I wish I/he (etc.) were.

That... should' after 'suggest', etc.

- future reference:affirmative/negative after (that):
That should can be used after such verbs as ask, propose,
recommend and suggest; alternatively, the present or subjunctive can
be used in BrE or the subjunctive in AmE. That is generally dropped
in informal style:

/ suggest (that) he should/shouldn't applyfor the job (should)

I suggest (that) he applies/doesn't applyfor the job (present)

/ suggest (that) he apply/not applyfor the pb (subjunctive)

- past reference:affirmative/negative after (that):
In past reported suggestions, the (that) should construction and the
subjunctive can be replaced by a past tense:

/ suggested (that) they should/shouldn't drivealong the coast I suggested (that) they drive/not drivealong the coast I suggested (that) they drove/didn't drivealong the coast

That...should' after certain adjectives

Adjectives referring to desirability or urgency, such as essential and

urgent, can be used in the same way [> App 44]:

It is vital (that) we should bepresent (should)

It is vital (that) we arepresent (present)

It is vital (that) we be present (subjunctive)

The reference may also be to the past:

It was important (that) he should apply/apply/appliedfor the job

11 Modal auxiliaries and related verbs