00 / Modal Verbs
Advice: 'should'
Use 'should' and 'shouldn't' to give advice or express that something is a good or bad idea. This modal verb helps you suggest actions without being as forceful as a command.
A2Elementary
01 / Overview
We use should to give advice or share an opinion about what is the right thing to do. It is a modal verb, which means it does not change its form based on the subject.
- Use should for positive advice.
- Use shouldn't (should not) for negative advice or to say something is a bad idea.
02 / Form
Subject + should/shouldn't + base verb
The form is the same for all subjects (I, you, he, she, it, we, they). After 'should', always use the base form of the verb without 'to'.
03 / Examples
04 / Common mistakes
You should to see a dentist.
You should see a dentist.
Never use 'to' after the modal verb should.
She shoulds eat more vegetables.
She should eat more vegetables.
Do not add -s for third-person subjects; should is a modal verb.
05 / Practice
Complete the sentence: You look tired. You ___ go to bed early tonight.
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Answer: should
Why: We use 'should' to give positive advice for a good idea.
Correct the error: He shouldn't to eat so much sugar.
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Answer: He shouldn't eat so much sugar.
Why: Modal verbs like 'should' are followed by the base verb without 'to'.
Turn this into a question: I should buy this shirt.
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Answer: Should I buy this shirt?
Why: To form a question, move 'should' to the beginning of the sentence before the subject.