Advice: 'should'
A2 ElementaryUse '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.
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.
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'.
Examples
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.
Practice
Complete the sentence: You look tired. You ___ go to bed early tonight.
Show answer
should
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.
Show answer
He shouldn't eat so much sugar.
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.
Show answer
Should I buy this shirt?
Answer:Should I buy this shirt?
Why:To form a question, move 'should' to the beginning of the sentence before the subject.