Learn to give helpful suggestions and friendly advice in English. Master using should and shouldn't to make recommendations and guide others.
Master using 'should' and 'shouldn't' to give advice, make suggestions, and offer recommendations in everyday English conversations.
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SHOULD + base verb: gives advice, recommendations, or says what is the right/best thing to do.
Strength
'Should' is softer than 'must'. 'You must rest.' (strong — necessary). 'You should rest.' (advice — recommended but your choice). Use 'should' to be helpful, not commanding.
'Should' is a modal verb used to give advice, make suggestions, or recommend actions. It's not as strong as 'must' - it suggests what is good or right, not what is required.
"You should try the new Italian restaurant."
"She should get more sleep."
"We should save some money for our trip."
"You shouldn't eat so much sugar."
"He shouldn't drive when he's tired."
"They shouldn't spend all their money."
Use 'should' for suggestions and 'shouldn't' for warnings. It's softer and more polite than 'must' or 'have to'.
✓ Suggestion: You should see a doctor. (good idea)
✓ Warning: You shouldn't smoke. (bad for health)
✓ Polite advice: I think you should call her. (gentle suggestion)
My friend Tom looked tired at school today. I told him, "You should go to bed earlier."
He said he couldn't sleep because he drank too much coffee. I said, "You shouldn't drink coffee after 6 PM."
Then he asked me, "What should I do to relax before bed?" I suggested, "You should try reading a book or listening to calm music."
He also mentioned he was stressed about his exam. I said, "I think you should study a little every day instead of all at once."
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Learn the different situations where you should (or shouldn't!) use these modal verbs.
| Situation | Use SHOULD | Use SHOULDN'T |
|---|---|---|
| Health Advice | ✓ You should exercise regularly. | ✓ You shouldn't eat junk food. |
| Study Tips | ✓ You should review your notes daily. | ✓ You shouldn't study all night. |
| Travel Suggestions | ✓ You should visit the old town. | ✓ You shouldn't carry lots of cash. |
| Social Situations | ✓ You should arrive on time. | ✓ You shouldn't interrupt people. |
| Work/Professional | ✓ You should backup your files. | ✓ You shouldn't be late for meetings. |
For rules and requirements
For suggestions and recommendations
For possibilities and options
Choose 'should' or 'shouldn't':
1. You __________ drink more water every day. (positive advice)
2. They __________ text while driving. (warning)
3. What __________ I wear to the interview? (asking for advice)
1. should (positive advice for health)
2. shouldn't (warning about dangerous behavior)
3. should (asking for advice about clothing choice)
Want to try a Should for Advice quiz?
Practice with multiple choice questions
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Learn how to form positive sentences, negative sentences, and questions with 'should' and 'shouldn't'.
You should study more.
She should get some rest.
They should arrive early.
Structure: Subject + should + base verb
You shouldn't worry.
He shouldn't be late.
We shouldn't forget.
Structure: Subject + shouldn't + base verb
Should I call her?
What should we do?
Where should we meet?
Structure: Should + subject + base verb
✗ You should to study.
✓ You should study.
✗ He should to eat.
✓ He should eat.
I should / You should / He should
We should / They should
No changes for he/she/it
✓ I think you should talk to her. (softer)
✓ Maybe you should take a break. (gentle suggestion)
✓ Perhaps we should reconsider. (formal)
✓ If I were you, I should save more money. (personal perspective)
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Ready to test your Should for Advice knowledge?
Challenge yourself with fill-in-the-blank exercises
See how 'should' and 'shouldn't' are used in different everyday situations.
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❌ You should to study more.
✓ You should study more.
Never use 'to' after should
❌ He shoulds eat breakfast.
✓ He should eat breakfast.
'Should' doesn't change for he/she/it
❌ Should I to call her?
✓ Should I call her?
No 'to' in questions either
❌ You don't should smoke.
✓ You shouldn't smoke.
Use 'shouldn't' for negative, not 'don't should'
❌ What I should do?
✓ What should I do?
In questions, 'should' comes before the subject
Master Should for Advice sentence building!
Drag and drop words to form correct sentences
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To practice your pronunciation, listen to the native speaker audio first. Then 'Record' yourself repeating what you heard, then use the 'Playback' button to compare your pronunciation with the native speaker. If you want to record yourself again, simply click 'Delete'!
You should eat more vegetables for better health.
She shouldn't work so late every night.
We should visit the museum this weekend.
He should get more sleep before the exam.
You shouldn't forget to call your mother.
They should arrive at the airport two hours early.
What should I do about this problem?
I think you should apologize to her.
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