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Should and shouldn’t for advice
A2 A2 grammar · lesson 16 of 25
Should is the most common way to give advice in English. You use it to say what is a good idea or a bad idea.
Form
should / shouldn’t + base verb. Like must and will, it is the same for every person: no -s, no to.
| Positive | Negative | Question |
|---|---|---|
| You should rest. | You shouldn’t (should not) work so much. | Should I call the doctor? |
| She should study more. | He shouldn’t eat so much sugar. | What should we do? |
Use: advice and opinions
Should = it is a good idea. Shouldn’t = it is a bad idea. It is softer than must: with should, the person can choose.
You look tired. You should go to bed early.
You shouldn’t drink coffee in the evening.
Tom should wear a coat. It’s cold outside.
Children shouldn’t watch TV all day.
We should leave now, or we’ll miss the bus.
‘I’ve got a headache.’ ‘You should take a break.’
Should I bring anything to the party?
Where should we go on holiday?
Making advice softer
We often start with I think or I don’t think. As with will, say I don’t think you should… rather than I think you shouldn’t….
I think you should talk to your teacher.
I don’t think you should buy that phone. It’s too expensive.
Common mistakes
✗ You should to see a doctor.
✓ You should see a doctor.
✗ He shoulds study more.
✓ He should study more.
✗ Do I should call her?
✓ Should I call her?